Efficiency and performance are the two essential factors that we look for when buying an engine. Irrespective of the features of the engine, there is another aspect that you should look for. Sounds interesting, right! Yes, a high-performance head can help expose your engine’s features significantly, which in turn increases the engine’s efficiency!
When it comes to Small Block Chevy, Chevrolet’s most famous engine from the mid-twentieth century to the early twenty-first century, a quality aluminum head works like magic! However, there are many off the shelf heads available in the market with different features to improve your engine performance. Don’t worry; we are here to help you; here is the list of some best aluminum heads for small block chevy, lead by Flotek 102505 Cylinder Head.
Best Aluminum Heads for Small Block Chevy
1. Flotek 102505 Cylinder Head – Best Overall
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Flotek is one of the reputed brands in the market for the best aluminum Chevy small blockheads, in addition to other automotive tool manufacturing. The discussing model 102505 is probably one of their landmark production. It ensures adequate airflow so that the engine produces maximum power. The high-end performance head not only acts for high-airflow, but also ensures accuracy in other aspects like port velocity, swirl, and combustion. Considering each of these, along with price and longevity in performance, we count it as the best one available overall.
Construction
The cylinder head comes with an intake volume of 180cc, giving moderate torque and rpm for your vehicles. Simultaneously, the 64cc volume combustion chamber and the 1.460 valve diameter are excellent to improve efficiency.
What we mostly like?
The aluminum head is highly recommended for street vehicles with a chevy engine, as the volumetric ratio is quite good. The design of these dart 350 Chevy heads have good flow control to enhance engine performance.
What are the downsides?
We found everyone is satisfied with the product. There are no negative points about this champ.
2. Dart 127121 SHP – Best SBC Head for Torque
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Here is another aluminum special high-performance head highly recommended for you. The head design of the Dart SHP is so good that the torque matches all the vehicles.
Construction:
The aluminum alloy construction makes the head lightweight. Also, the intake and exhaust valves offer good flow. Nonetheless, the head is designed with an optimized combustion chamber.
What we mostly like?
The high volumetric chamber makes the head act as the best street/strip SBC heads. The cast ports and the combustion chamber volume are other highlights to appreciate these cylindrical heads.
What are the downsides?
The cylindrical heads improve the engine efficiently, but in few cases, like crazy races, the springs do not work well.
3. Edelbrock 5073 – Best Stock SBC Head
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Edelbrock aluminum heads come with upgraded features to add greater efficiency and horsepower to the engine. The ports are so designed to enhance the airflow and improve the mechanism.
Construction
To make the design suitable to all the small Chevy engines, it has a combustion chamber of 64cc or 70cc. On the other hand, the intake chamber runner volume 185cc, and the exhaust runner volume 60cc.
What we mostly like?
The valve diameters, angles improve engine efficiency and act as the best aluminum heads for chevy 350. The deck thickness, maximum spring diameter, and lift make the head more elegant.
What are the downsides?
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the heads, and there are no negative sides.
4. Edelbrock 5089 – Best SBC Head for Drag Racing
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Edelbrock 5089 is mainly designed to meet all the small block Chevy applications. It is so solid and includes hydraulic flat tappet camshafts for heavy and smooth working.
Construction
These cylindrical heads are made of aluminum alloy with a combustion chamber volume of 64cc. The 23degree valve angle makes the head improve the engine mechanism.
What we mostly like?
The quality of the material is assured, and the valves are manufactured under high care. The valves and the combustion are highly durable to temperatures.
What are the downsides?
- These heads work well with hydraulic flat tappet camshafts but not compatible with roller camshafts.
5. Edelbrock 5087 E-Series E-210 SBC – Premium
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Edelbrock 5087 E series is a premium choice for springs with both the hydraulic flat tappet camshaft and roller tappet shaft. Thus suitable for all small block Chevy performance heads.
Construction
The aluminum head combustion chamber is similar to the above Edelbrock models, whereas the exhaust runner volume and the intake runner volume are increased 210cc and 75cc to have better performance.
What we mostly like?
Highly durable heads and are worthy of the price. The values are designed with manganese bronze to have greater efficiency and continuous performance.
What are the downsides?
The construction and the features of the product meet the customer’s expectations. There are no downsides for these heads.
6. DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 – Best Budget
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For those looking for low budget and high-performance heads, then go for DNA. Motoring the aluminum head is a perfect match. Besides the budgets, flawlessly fits the SBC engines 302, 327, and 400 up-to 1986.
Construction
The aluminum made combustion chamber of the chevy vertex head is 68cc to have better performance. Furthermore, the valves and the deck are made under supervision to add better suit airflow.
What we mostly like?
The high-grade aluminum head is highly affordable. When compared to Iron heads, aluminum heads are most durable, heat resistant, and shiny.
Few customers feel the installation is quite tricky and takes lots of time.
7. Speedmaster PCE281.2010 Cast Aluminum Head
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Speedmaster aluminum head comes with advanced features to increase the entire rpm range and horsepower. Mostly, these cylindrical cast heads, such as the PCE281.2010, are recommended for street and strip applications.
Construction
Speedmaster head’s conditioning chamber is 62cc, and the intake runner volume is 205cc. The drilled slots and the string bolts are quite hard to withstand all the pressures and temperatures.
What we mostly like?
Valve guides of the head are made of bronze to have greater airflow and add flexibility to the mechanism. The upgraded features of the head make it useful for various applications.
What are the downsides?
Using this (less expensive) cheap head gasket, few customers experienced poor performance. So use quality head gaskets to improve your engine efficiency.
Are Aluminum Heads for Chevy Worth the Money?
Yes, aluminum heads worth every penny that we invest in. They look beautiful on your engines. Moreover, aluminum heads are capable of increasing the stock head. It also provides weight reduction and makes it easy to port.
350 Chevy Heads – Best and Worst
We often wonder, what heads should I put on my 350? There is no best and worst head. You have to always look for the head that suits your application. If you are a crazy car racer, you should go for high torque heads, whereas, for the normal streetcar, you should prefer moderate rpm and velocity heads to mount your engine.
Buying Guide – How Do I Choose SBC Heads
You should invest in high-quality SBC heads to prevent any engine failures. The material used in making the quality of product, durability, reliability, and capacity is the main thing you need to look for. Based on your application, choose the head with good combustion chamber capacity, intake, and exhaust valves.
What is the Best Aluminum Head for Big Block Chevy?
Speedmaster PCE281.2031 features a cast cylindrical aluminum head with a 119cc volume combustion chamber and 320cc intake runner. For those looking for big-block Chevy, it is the best affordable aluminum head with fabulous features.
Cast Iron vs Aluminum SBC Head – Choosing Which One?
It is really a debate to choose one between the Cast Iron and Aluminum SBC head. Both have their own applications. Cast iron is strong with a weight penalty, and it is more like for fuel economy. In contrast, aluminum is obviously lighter and less corrosive in the air, and it offers high car engine performance. Cast iron is expensive, while aluminum heads are less expensive. As we know that cast iron has more ability to make horsepower, you may consider a cast-iron one like the JEGS 514080. However, based on your requirement, you have to choose the best one that meets your purpose.
What’s the Best Bolt on Horsepower for Chevy 350?
The quality of the bolt is essential while sealing the head. Here is the best bolt, Fel-Pro ES 72856, to exactly fit the design and offer you 100percent assurance in tight sealing.
How To Install Heads On Chevy 350?
Before installing the heads on a Chevy 350, you have made the head and gasket material clean and from all the dirt, dust, and oils. After cleaning the heads, hold the gaskets with proper care and place them in the correct position. and now install the heads in their position slowly. Finally, torque them well and seal tightly.
How to Tighten Small Block Chevy Heads?
Tightening small block Chevy heads is different from normal head tightening. You have to go through the manual and fix them well to have good sealing. If not, the heads fail to work. Head the bolts, in the same manner, using the wrench.
What’s the Best Intake Manifold for Small Block Chevy?
Edelbrock 2925 Super Victor intake manifold is one of the most popular and flexible manifolds, especially in racing applications. These intake manifolds are made of natural aluminum. It is basically a single plane manifold that produces a torque of 3500to 8500rpm. On the other hand, Bestseller, the Edelbrock 2701 Performer is a dual-plane intake manifold type that comes at an affordable price. It gains horsepower in the idle to 5500rpm.
Concluding Remarks
So here are the best aluminum heads for small block chevy. Choose the best SBC heads based on your requirement and budget. Grab the opportunity and get the right one.
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