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Preparing your cylinder head begins with a one-on-one consultation with Steve Sanchez. Once an understanding is reached, on what you want, Steve will discuss what you actually need. As is often the case, wants and needs can be very different. This is very similar to Steve’s process for helping customers select a cylinder head for a specific application. Work on your head will only begin when your needs are mutually understood and agreed upon. In your talk with Steve, he will always ask these questions: In what will the engine be used – a daily driver, street rod, street-strip machine, drag racer, oval track car, road racer, puller, boat, etc.? - How will the engine and vehicle be used – street performance only, trailer towing, more street use than drag use, bracket racing, dirt or paved oval, truck or multi-engine tractor, drag or ski boat, etc?
Answers to these first two questions tell Steve the extent and frequency of maintenance the engine will receive during use – important factors in selecting the manufacturer, design and metallurgy of components. - What size (cubic inch displacement) is the engine?
Engine size is the starting point for determining how the combustion chamber will be prepared, the size of the intake valve and the size and shape of the intake port. The exhaust port and valve are not significant factors, at this point. The final configuration of the head and both valves will be determined by the remaining questions. What will be the operating (rpm) range and how will the engine cycle through the range? “Cycle” means the change from lowest to highest rpm – only a few hundred rpm, at the end of each oval track straight and no shifting? Several hundred rpm, with continuous multiple shifts, as in road racing? Hardly any rpm change, with or without shifting, in drag racing? What type camshaft (hydraulic, mechanical, roller, etc.) and approximate lift will be used? What type of induction system will be used – manifold type/design, natural aspiration, mechanical supercharger, turbocharger, fuel Injection, single/multiple carburetion, etc.? - What type of fuel is planned – gasoline, alcohol, nitro, diesel or other?
Total Flow Products wants you to be 100% satisfied that you receive precisely the performance needed. That’s why we need to precisely understand the components, use and maintenance described by your answers. To learn more about the cylinder head preparation process, read Steve’s tech article Cylinder Head Preparation. |
