Top 10 Best Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads Review & Buying Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best heads to put on a Chevy 350?

The best heads to put on a Chevy 350 are Vortec heads. Vortec heads offer high performance and durability, making them a great choice for Chevy 350 engines. They feature an improved combustion chamber design and larger valves that allow for increased airflow and power.

Additionally, Vortec heads come with hardened valve seats and stainless steel valves that can withstand the rigors of high-performance driving.

How do I know what Cylinder Heads to buy?

Cylinder heads are an important part of any engine, and choosing the right ones can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider when selecting cylinder heads, including compatibility with the rest of the engine, performance goals, and budget. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cylinder heads for your engine.

1. Determine Your Engine’s Needs The first step in choosing cylinder heads is to determine what your engine needs. Are you looking for increased power?

Better fuel economy? Or both? Knowing what you want from your engine will help narrow down your options and make it easier to find the right heads.

2. Consider Compatibility Once you know what you need from your engine, it’s time to start considering compatibility. Cylinder heads must be compatible with the rest of the engine in order to function properly.

This means that you’ll need to know things like bore size, stroke length, valve size, and more before you can start shopping around. If you’re not sure about compatibility, consult with a professional or ask questions on forums where experts can offer advice. 3. Compare Performance Numbers

One way to compare different cylinder head options is by looking at their performance numbers. Things like airflow rate, intake port volume, and exhaust port volume can all affect how well an engine performs. Comparing these numbers will give you a good idea of which heads will be best for your application.

However, keep in mind that there are other factors that influence performance as well so don’t rely on numbers alone when making your decision.. .

What’s better cast iron or aluminum cylinder heads?

There are pros and cons to using either cast iron or aluminum cylinder heads. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when making a decision about which type of head to use. Cast iron heads are typically cheaper than aluminum heads, but they are also much heavier.

This can be a disadvantage if weight is a factor in your vehicle (such as in racing applications). Cast iron heads also tend to hold up better under high temperatures and pressures, meaning they can withstand more abuse before needing to be replaced. However, this same durability means that cast iron heads are more difficult to work with when performing modifications such as porting and polishing.

Aluminum heads are lighter than cast iron heads, making them ideal for vehicles where weight is a concern. They are also easier to work with when it comes to modifications, since they can be machined more easily than cast iron. However, aluminum heads don’t usually last as long as cast ironheads under extreme conditions – meaning they may need to be replaced more often if you’re pushing your engine hard.

Aluminum heads also tend to expand and contract more than cast iron heads under heat, which can cause issues with sealing (and thus, leaking).

How much horsepower do aluminum heads add to a small block Chevy?

How much horsepower do aluminum heads add to a small block Chevy? This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many variables that can affect the amount of horsepower an engine produces. However, in general, upgrading to aluminum heads can add anywhere from 5-20 additional horsepower to a small block Chevy engine.

The exact amount will depend on the specific heads used, as well as other factors such as camshaft selection, compression ratio, and tuning. In any case, it’s safe to say that upgrading to aluminum heads can provide a nice power boost for your small block Chevy.