Performance Head Comparison and Question

[danyl]

Cost aside, could someone give me advice about which head to get:

I'm interested in performance street driving. I have headers and a free flowing exhaust. I will be adding an Autroni EFI. I'll modify the intake and injectors if necessary. I'll get better cams: 11-12mm lift...But which head to buy???

The Centerline looks nice, but my gut tells me that the Sperry is better.

But for street...

Any comments?

It's for an '87 Spider Veloce.

I'm also willing to consider the higher compression pistons with the head mod.

[Tifosi]

As Sperry is no longer in business, the question is moot unless you somehow have access to one that's being sold by an individual. :shrug:

[Zunige]

Sperry also offered five stages of preparation. I don't know what a used Stage V would go for, but it would cost around $2k to get an engine builder (one who knows what he's doing with an Alfa head) to prepare a head to the Sperry Stage V level.

Best regards,

[danyl]

So what do you reccomend. Who should build my head. Centerline, IAP? Is Spruell still in business?

[Gordon Raymond]

Paul is indeed still at work. There are many who can give you a version of a performance head. Prices are what the market will bear. You need to decide exactly what you are looking for, more low end torque, high end horsepower or some combination. Where do you want the performance on a street engine? 0- 30 mph? Highway downshift 50 - 70? Do you only want better fuel mileage? How about long term reliability? Frequent, necessary valve adjustments? No maintenance? You decide. THEN talk to someone who knows. Spend your money wisely for exactly what you want.
Just my opinion Gordon Raymond

[alfaparticle]

I agree with Gordon. I would add that you need to do a thorough background check on your chosen vendor. I had an "expert" screw up a head by doing 3angle cuts on the exhausts seats and shortening the exhaust guides. I did not ask for those things but I trusted his expertise. I went to this guy based upon a strong recommendation from one person.

I later bought a ported head from AlfaR7 and I am very happy with it.

[Andrew]

Norman Racing (510) 525-1164 in Berkeley does lots of Alfa heads too, for street, vintage racing, and full-on racing. They've been at it a long time and are very good. Maybe not convenient to where you are though.

They'd done probably 10 heads for me over the years, mostly stock, but one large-intake-valve head, very mild port cleanup work for my 2000 GTV with Euro cams, and it woke the car up considerably.

Andrew

[Gordon Raymond]

I'll be in for it now. I too should have mentioned Richard (Alfar7). He is my source for all cam information, and is a master Alfa machinist as well. His prices are very reasonable, and he will not give you a job that you don't need or can't use. (He's out of town 'till the 24th but if you leave him a PM he will get back to you. Use my name as a recommendation.) I will lessen his irritation for mentioning Paul. Gordon Raymond

[danyl]

Thanks for the advice. I'd still like to get some feedback from someone who bought a head from IAP or Centerline.

I did get in touch with Paul Spruell. He's going to sell me a head he had built many years ago and never installed.