$165 Amazon SBC Head vs Budget AFR Enforcer! (Flow Bench!) 

Dude I want to thank you for taking the torch on the older generation block the information you're putting out is spot-on, people are going to realize how valuable this knowledge is, thanks again your friend RDO

THOSE CHEAP HEADS FLOW PRETTY GOOD OUTA THE BOX, A LITTLE CLEAN UP AND A GOOD VALVE JOB,PORT MATCH AND THERE GOOD TO GO

Multiple companies use these heads skip white , assualt racing , rcp ect. There's a big thread about them on the third gen forum buget assualt racing head. They actually look just like dart platinum heads too. My set has either the vortec or early version intake bolts . I had choice of angle or straight plug and with or with out steam holes when purchased. They cost allot more than 186$ in 2016. Solid head though. I port matched a 1266 gasket to my single plane efi intake. My heads are raised runner ports. I bought mine bare too. I lapped all my valves . I own a machine shop. In the tread I mention I put a set on a surface plate and belive they were flat with in .0004 ten thousandths . I've had my set on my gen 1 sbc 383 with a s488 turbo since 2016. No issues.

I’m glad to see some up to date videos about vortec stuff in a time where the world has gone LS swap crazy. Just dropped a set off vortec head on my Malibu and I’m currently searching for a good full roller vortec engine for my camaro

Check the thickness of the upper wall, inside the intake side, on the short side of the valve radius. We made a lot more horsepower with a higher top wall there. It’s even more pronounced with 351 Cleveland heads for fords, BUT, ( on Cleveland heads) because of the volume inside the runner, it’s best to put vanes inside the runners. This is done by drilling a hole in the bottom of the intake runner and running a threaded shaft, which is attached to the “vane” ( a piece of thin curved metal, much like what’s in torque converters), and after tightening, silicone. You have a flow bench, put your finger in front of the intake runner (or a popsicle stick) to see the difference. Ultimately you’re wanting to direct flow to the short-side radius, heighten the top of the runner, to streamline flow into the combustion chamber and create a better “mix” ( volumetric efficiency) in the chamber.

Awesome!! Perfect timing was just about to order some upgraded springs for my vortec heads!! So I'm super excited for this giveaway!! Can't wait!! Thanks for all you do!! Luv your channel!!!

I love the older engines with the newer heads. Basically anything from the D port 113 corvette heads on up. The old camel backs and 882 heads were Heavy gas guzzlers that only flowed well after some serious work. That said I have a four bolt truck block 355 with unshrouded 202 190 valves , Ported 882 heads at 9.5:1 screw in studs and guide plates and bronze guides. That’s only because I did them myself twenty years ago and they are still like new and run really well. Vortec and 113s are better truck heads though. I also have a 327 with camelbacks just for nostalgia. I have one Chevelle, one Xj6c jaguar, and one truck but I seem to have collected and built at least a dozen engines for some reason.

There's other factor like cc of the head when making a choice. Velocity is very important also. That said I'll take the AFR heads all day sure vs a cheap head like this. If it's a mild build and not really beating on it I guess they're ok and have a place. My little sbc with AFR 220cc makes 637hp on pump 93 with a hydraulic roller on a mild tune. Although anyone looking for the baddest 23 degree sbc head BES ALL PRO RR245 are where it's at. From .700 thur 1.000 lift they flow about 370/292. They only start at 6,700 though lol. Nice video by the way.

🤯 very nice flow numbers for such a cheap head. I'd imagine a simple cleanup would have them beating the afrs everywhere. thanks for sharing the numbers. 👊🤘😎

You had me at STICKERS! Great video, just subscribed

Congratulations on reaching 4k man , keep the great vids coming 👍🏻👍🏻

Look like the same castings as my Assault heads that Lloyd Elliot ported for me. ~500 hp 383 with a mild 218/228 cam.

Your very good on heads i got a 96 vortec 350 im wanting to build i watch all your videos i work 70hrs a week for 8 yrs working 2nd and 3rd shift help a brother out im 52 and never see my youngins youngist is 13 loves working on all my old stuff i have a 302 sbc with 291 heads aint got time to rebuild it or money 👌

Another awesome video! I feel that it was especially made for budget minded people like myself. Thanks.

Yes, so many people are all about them flow numbers, but that's just a small part of the story. Port velocity is even more critical when it comes right down to it!

I put dart heads on my build and I absolutely love them

This really shows how much profit the head companies see in a $2,000 pair of heads. Minus some R&D dollars, probably $1250 per pair.

Rough intake runner is a good thing on a street motor

Awesome! Just what I need for my Vortec heads!! 🤘👍

I had a feeling these DNA heads were quality control biproducts from another dealer. I would love to have a set of those spring kits for my 85 third gen build.

i ported and polished a set of procomp 205 -202-160 heads and ill tell you i dont know what they flow but my 358 runs real strong im talkin high 10s strong in a 78 malibu i had a 1190 camaro and this car is much quicker.my opinion you port any 202 head or bigger you will produce some power

They both likely come from the same factory and from the same casting mold. The AFR heads are just "higher QC" and often finish machined in the USA. When you have things made in China and order say, 30000 units, the factory will make 700000, about 300000 will pass minimum QC, the rest are "seconds" and sold for less on the market.

Interesting for sure and I'm a little smarter now. 👊👍

Been waiting for this video, finally got the notification and was in the middle of a work meeting 😂 attention went right out the window. I'm running your vortec spring setup on a set of home ported vortecs hopefully going to have the engine together and dynoed in the next few weeks! Great vids 👍

You are close to right on. Many people complain about china this and that, problem is MOST of things in this world are made in a handful of factories. Most "built in USA" heads are actually cast in China and assembled here. the flip side is China doesn't care so you give them a price point and they try and make it and by try is make a part that matches the price point. With that said, who thinks all these head companies, including Blueprint, ATK, AFR (on some budget lines) all have a foundry employing hundreds of workers, safety, HR, OCHA, etc. to make head castings for anything under 1K a piece? Not enough volume in sales for all the different combinations and risk involved. There are diamonds in the ruff along with, I don't know, using a product for its intended purpose. You can't really expect to get 800HP out of a SBC with $300 heads but you should be able to expect an easy 300 - 350hp with the right set up. I say this because almost weekly someone opens their mouth while I not so politely tell them they are an idiot. Can not count the lets slam a .600 lift in a stock lower end with out of the box speedmaster heads (usually for a flat tappet cam set up NOT a roller), drop a jegs brand dual plane and some 850 double pumper some guy rebuilt last year and get made at the parts because it runs worse then stock.

Love the info! I've learned a lot from your videos!

For the Camaro and Nova 68-81 The Hooker race car headers (weld on collectors) for the application gets around the angle plug heads no problem even with the 1 7/8” primary’s..

Would love to see the enforcers on actual dyno on a 383 or so to see real horsepower numbers. Nobody seems to have done one yet.

Amazing how well the exhaust port flows in the Chinese head...

I'm interested in knowing more about the DNA heads. Only info I have found so far says the valves are .100 longer. Could use the spring kit on the 96 Vortec 350 I'm wanting to build for my truck. Thanks

Another awesome video Pat... how awesome is this, I am already on another build, it will be sweet to be able to win the kit that I am going to be purchasing from a way.. if anyone is thinking about ordering one of the spring kits, well think no further, just get them! This is a great kit!!!

I like those el cheaper heads for that price I'd make a trip to harbor freight and get there porting kit and clean those runners up very interesting!

Looking to replace my 224cc heads from 68 impala with some heads near the same cc's

I just got a set of patriot freedom head's aluminum for $300 ,202 ,160 was thinking about getting them looked at and port work like to make a 500hp small block

Please list the costs of each set of heads in the future.Some guys,such as myself,would like to compare them price wise.So they could decide if the extra flow is worth the money on there combo.Thanks!

Could you please check the New 32Valve conversion heads for Chevy small Blocks?

I would love some beehive springs😜👍

So who has run these for a while? What do you think of them? Do they need any special hardware at all! Great video by the way! Thanks eh!

no need for steam holes on heads for 400 never had an issue with not drillin them

The exhaust flow out of the AFR's is obviously a lot better and people don't think about how much that affects power production. You can flow like crazy into a cylinder but if you aren't getting that spent mixture out you're killing power. AFR's heads are expensive there is no doubt but how often do you see them getting beat in dyno comparisons? So if you are wanting something that looks badass but isn't go cheap if you want badass save up and get the good stuff.

DNA flows more exhaust spool then turbos faster

Woo-hoo...been waiting for this

Have you seen the fulltwin turbo kit on Amazon, by MMI Motorsports? Days it's a complete kit, EVERYTHING is included...... It's $1500 for 5.7 .... I think I looked up for Vortec 5.7 ..... Do you have a turbo kit you recommend?

I only run afr heads but looks like some major port work and use afr valves at $20 each and theyll be very similar

Hey, 2 part question... Bought a blueprint crate motor w vortec heads BP35512CTI1. Heads r different casting 906 (P) side & 062 (D) side, any downside? Cam specs show .495 / .502 lift 221-226 duration 110° LSA, heads appear to have no machine work to accept rhis set up. Any idea on how this is accomplished without valve train issues? Thanks.

Will either the DNA or AFR allow a 2.05 or 2.08 intake valves? Looking for a better flowing fill on a 406-406 sbc.

What brand of valves did you put in the cheapo head?

The flow comparisons are one thing. I'm wondering how heat cycles are going to effect the knock off

Do you think you could hand port those DNA heads and gain 40-50cfm on the intake a 20-25cfm on the exhaust ? They might not be good enough to sell to someone else, but I bet since you have a flow bench at your disposal (and by the sound of it, the means to do a better valve job) you could create a pretty kick ass set of heads for yourself personally with nothing more than your time invested.

that is not slag in the ports, that is the cores parting line. better sand cores were used on AFR head. I worked in foundries for many years.

Definitely liked the vedeo. DNA looks like the one for me

You ever consider flowing a set of the jegs (profilers)? I'd be curious if there is a difference compared to the real deal. My machinist steered me to the profilers over the AFRs... he said dollar for dollar and for what I was going to do they would be the better value. At the time it was a 600$ difference and I used that difference toward other things I needed. No regrets there lol.

What's your take on the aluminum ATeam performance heads from Amazon??

I just bought a set of afr inforcer heads and my mechanic says he's worried I may blow the bottom end cuz we did like no upgrades to the bottom end. 400 sbc BTW. What do you think? Will it blow up????

That's how branding works. They probably are the AFR rejects. I work at thexon and they sell the oil n grease that isn't to spec to third party who sells it under an off brand name. They're their own company. They buy the " junk" oil. It's what u buy at the corner store. They check what it's closest weight is and sell it as that. Lots of industry's operate this way. Just like foundrys make products for tons of brands and none with their own name.

Thanks for sharing. Did I hear you say the AFR heads are Chinese also??? And, are these not billet CNC machined? You refer to them as cast. Cheers from Motown.

It looks like you deal with mostly SBC heads, I am in the process of trying to find springs, etc for my 96-00 BBC Vortec heads. In the middle of a budget built Gen V 454 with a hyd roller and the Vortec heads. Any insight or reccomendations on a spring kit for my application?

I would really like to see the DNA laid over the vortec stock heads

I can't find the video where you built and dynoed the 350 you put these on. What did it end up making?

Honestly was looking at either of these heads.

I'm with you I'd still do the AFR. Out the box I bet you can't get those DNA heads with LS style 8mm valves. A lot of people that are pro DNA are forgetting that. You don't find that 8mm LS style valve on any other budget head and except AFR I bet they will make similar or more power

You get what you pay for,,,,,,,,,, NO GOOd wondering if a product is any good and laying in bed at night wondering if a cheap spring brakes tomorrow or next week, of a cheap casting has pourouse areas around bolt holes blows a head gasket, Speed cost money, how fast do you want to go. I SAW AFR up against a Chinese Head,, AFR on the same engine made 70HP more . You cant drink Whisky from a bottle of wine. Good luck.

Average the flow numbers throughout the lift range. It'll more represent which one will make more power. More flow at low lift does help. And not just looking at the peak flow.

How do I property get a set of marine speced vortec heads for my freshly built roller sbc 350 for my 1994 SeaRay 220 BRS?

The sbc hydraulic roller cam I am using has intake/exhaust lift of .510/.525, would the TFS valve springs mentioned in your referenced video be overkill?

I wanna buy a pair of these DNA heads but can't find a link and that Amazon listing says the heads are not available. Where else can I get these?

Why dont you do a set of Edelbrock Performer sbc heads not much info on them out there.

You should have engineered two different headers since the AFR head flows better on the intake. So, yeah you need to scavenge higher expanding gasses. Find David Vizard vids on youtube about the right way to build header pipes.

AFR all day long. Quality and reputation. Redo the test in 5 years. Let us know how well the valve seats and guides have lasted on the DNA heads. Cracks too.

Love watching your videos man I’ve been telling all my buddies to watch and subscribe to your page you go the extra mile man and that’s what a lot of us want and need so we don’t guess also if u get any 882 heads could you compare them to a vortec a buddy of mine is always telling me that they are just as good if not better and can run bigger cams with them for less work and money lol thanks again though man awesome work

Do you still sell the votec beehive spring kit for 500 plus lift

I’ll give the afr heads 20 hp, 10 ft-lbs. Like you said flow isn’t everything. Port stability, flutter all that stuff matters.

And if you cleaned up the rough spots on the intake and exhaust would probably flow even better huh??? Looked at a bare set for a 400sbc I gt on the engine stand

How do the DNA heads compare to the L98 cylinder head 113 castings?

I would say the intake takes off due to a narrower valve stem. Are the chamber finishes the same? Does the exhaust have better velocity? What are the exh port dimensions between the 2?

Any recommendations for guideplates, rocker stud size and pushrod size for use with a hydraulic roller cam?

Honestly how much does exhaust flow matter when cylinder pressure is 145 psi or more pushing it out? Would be interesting to see if it makes any difference on dyno, better or worse flow on exhaust. Great video thanks for comparing the 2 heads btw!

Big fan love the channel keep it coming i have 3 sbc vortecs currently building a l29 vortec bbc would love to see some videos on bbc vortec btw wat spring package do u recommend for sbc vortec 580 600 lift

CHina heads usually have lesser quality seats, guides, noone knows if they are in the right place til they put it together,,,thats the stuff that matters. Too many buy due to a flow sheet price and convince themselves its the same "Cause it seems fine, did a burnout" etc. Buy American keep people working here instead of buying something an 8 yr old was forced to do probably for a cup of rice.

Looking at these heads now. Any information on valve stem diameter, valve length and valve spring seat size?

Awsome I could use some

I need new heads for my 5.3 vortec LM7. I don't know where to find them for good price. I don't need performance. I need stock. My own are 862 casting. My truck is 2005 gmc sierra1500. If you know, I would appreciate your help.

Looks horrendous on a serdi machine. I'd advise a runout and valve seat work on DNA

Just help do a little work on set of stock vortecs for his pickup, he stopped at 255 cfm.

so a little work with the dna vs the afrs

Piss cutter performance we're can I buy 1 of these beehive kits I just swapped a vortec 5.7 into my 02 s10 running a t5 from an astro van lol and fixing to buy a cam etc for it

Do they make special MLS headgaskets for these aluminum heads?

Where did you get these dna heads? I don't see them.on amazon unless they came bare and the price jumped up a ton

I need them

Run a single pattern cam with a tight lsa on the cheap ones....

I see the heads on ebay are 240 bucks where are the 165 dollar ones?

I wonder if you could send the DNA head to AFR to have it ported lol

Would like to get a 580 lift behive kit how do I get ahold of him

How did the cheap ones hold up ?

Love your videos!! How/where do I order a set of springs once you have them available?

What are the flow numbers on edlebrock rpm heads? I have rpm heads on a 383 and they are only like 170 intake runners and I think they are to small for the 383 and probably are starving it at 6000rpm. I want to upgrade to a bigger head without breaking the bank

It isn't a China cylinder head. Those are just guys who do the work themselves. You pay for the work done, it gets done supercharger guy. The business sides forget the patent. Go Sam Houston.

How do you find these on Amazon the cheapest ones I saw were 275 and they were bare heads

Few comments and lots across the interwebs. Fact is there are only so many casting facilities around the world. Who thinks each company the produces, say wrenches but can insert most tools, have a factory just for their own brand? You think Amazon Basic brand oil means Amazon has an oil refinery making oil all day? Answers no. Most are contracted out to make the item either as over runs (oil, could be mobile 1, Castrol, etc) to keep the manufacturing up to 100% or in this case, the same casting just one is a higher quality either by mold making process or class firsts over seconds. People blame China like they forget half the dollar store crap isn't Chinese. But China will sell for almost any price point. Look at cell phones, some Samsung are free and garbage while they also have a top of the line "flagship" that's quite good. TV's.. not all Sony products are of the same quality....

Got link ?