Performance Heads
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Performance Heads
A question for those of you in the know:
Is it advisable to have factory heads reworked by a reputable shop, or is it better to just spring for production performance heads?
I'm thinking of locating a pair of heads and having a pro rework them. Port, polish, oversize valves, milling, etc. The works.
I've been hot-rodding small block Chevy engines my entire life, and if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that the heads are a HUGE factor in engine performance, when compared to other places where people tend to commonly lay down their coin.
I've always heard the phrase, "there's no replacement for displacement", but that's only true when all other factors are equal.
I would like to upgrade my stock TC-96 next year, without a big-bore or stroker. I think heads, cam, and valvetrain will be my targeted upgrades, and I really want some nice heads on which to base this thing.
Is it advisable to have factory heads reworked by a reputable shop, or is it better to just spring for production performance heads?
I'm thinking of locating a pair of heads and having a pro rework them. Port, polish, oversize valves, milling, etc. The works.
I've been hot-rodding small block Chevy engines my entire life, and if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that the heads are a HUGE factor in engine performance, when compared to other places where people tend to commonly lay down their coin.
I've always heard the phrase, "there's no replacement for displacement", but that's only true when all other factors are equal.
I would like to upgrade my stock TC-96 next year, without a big-bore or stroker. I think heads, cam, and valvetrain will be my targeted upgrades, and I really want some nice heads on which to base this thing.
I would (and did) rework the stock heads. You'll be able to specify what you want. The SE heads tend to go with the bigger is better theory, which it isn't. You didn't say where you live, but there are good porters in all parts of the country.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
I would re-work the stockers. I would also look for a full package system as the builder will set everything up to work together so as you won't have a mismatched science project that your stocker would outrun along with other headaches. Plenty of good choices out there, I went with a Head-Quarters setup, depending on what you want out of it and how much you're looking to spend. I started out w/stage one then cams and finally went with a full package and very happy with it.........
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Since we have riding weather year-round, I don't want to tie up the bike in an engine build for more than a few days. I want all the parts ready to go by the time I do this.
Hell, I might get lucky and find a good deal on a take-off engine from someone who upgraded to a SE120 or something. In such a case, I'll have all the time in the world.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
Doing the work myself, all parts ready to go, I don't see why not. I sure as hell ain't gonna pay someone else to turn wrenches for me.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,035
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From: Arlington, Washington
I hear ya on the wrenching yourself, my statement was directed at getting your stock head reworked in a "couple of days" this time of year your lucky to get them back in 3 weeks. To Answer your original question, IMO you'll probably get better results having your stock heads reworked and matched to your build.
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,035
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From: Arlington, Washington
Also, there will be a huge jump in torque and HP if you have your stock jugs bored and slap some 107 jugs in with good head work. You won't see the real big gains until you do this on a stock 96. Compression, head work and cam selection will yield you a very powerful dependable motor.
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Corpus Christi, TX. Says so right there on the label. 
