Products

Frequently Asked Questions

Small Block Ford Aluminum Cylinder Heads

  1. What spark plug should I use in my AFR Ford Cylinder Head?

  2. What should I torque my head bolts to?

  3. Will the 185 with 2.020 valves fit my stock pistons?

  4. Can I use my stock rocker arms?

  5. What gaskets should I use?

  6. How do I determine correct pushrod lenght?

  7. Where can I purchase AFR Aluminum Cylinder Heads?

 

Answers

1) SPARK PLUGS:

Use 14mm x 3/4" reach gasketed, no tapered seat plugs. Street application use Autolite 3924, for 205cc & 225cc race head use Autolite 3922, or equivalent. Plug selection is of course dictated by many factors including RPM level, compression ration and fuel type. Forced induction or nitrous applications usually require 1 to 2 heat ranges colder. Spark plug gap should be determined by the ignition manufacturer.

2) HEAD BOLT TORQUE:

Apply moly-oil mixture to washers, and area around head bolt to prevent galling and improper torque readings. Torque to 70ft/lbs. for 7/16" bolts or studs (289 or 302) or 100ft/lbs. for 1/2" bolts or studs (351W) in three or four steps following the factory tightening sequence. Then tighten the long (upper) head bolts or studs 80ft/lbs. (7/16") or 110 ft/lbs. (1/2"). A re-torque is recommended after initial start-up and cool down (allow 2-3 hours for cooling). Sealer should be applied to all head bolts or studs that enter into the blocks water-jacketing system. Permatex is a good general-purpose sealer.

TORQUING:

We suggest not using a Torque Wrench on intake and exhaust manifold bolts, accessory bolts,or spark plugs, as inaccurate torque wrench values can easily strip the smaller threads. Just snug up hand tight with a wrench only.

3) Valve Clearance:

Piston to valve clearance must be checked before assembly. AFR 185cc aluminum cylinder heads with 2.020 valves usually will not fit a piston without valve notches having proper reliefs. Also AFR 205cc heads with 2.080 valves might experience the same issues.

NOTE:

All stock pistons must be notched for clearance.

4) Rocker Arms:

Only part #1472 & 1492 with pedestol style rocker arm boss towers will fit stock rocker arms. Stud mount style AFR heads require aftermarket rocker arms.

5)Gaskets:

On SBF SVO blocks, Fel-Pro 1011-1 and 1011-2 cannot be used. Must use Fel-Pro 1022 (left side) and 1023 (right side).

6) Pushrods:

To find out the correct pushrod length for you, check out the Crane Cams pushrod tech page.

7) Purchasing AFR Heads:

You may purchase your AFR Aluminum Cylinder Heads directly from Air Flow Research or any one of our authorized distributors.

 



AIR FLOW RESEARCH | 28611 W. Industry Drive | VALENCIA, CA 91355 | 661-257-8124

Terms, Policies and Warranties
©1997-2001Airflow Research All Rights Reserved