When it comes to extracting maximum power from your engine, few components are as critical as the cylinder heads. Often referred to as the “assault racing heads” of your engine, they control the crucial flow of air and fuel in and exhaust out. The right set can transform your engine’s performance, providing significant horsepower and torque gains that are felt with every press of the accelerator.
With so many options on the market, from budget-friendly upgrades to full-race CNC-ported masterpieces, selecting the best heads for your build can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with a selection of top-tier cylinder heads and essential supporting gear. We’ve compiled a list of eight high-performance products to help you make an informed decision for your next power upgrade.
Our Top Picks for High-Performance Racing Heads
- Ultra Shield Aluminum 16″ 20 Degree Full Containment Racing Seat
- Heads-Up Racing
- G-FORCE Racing Gear GF1 Open Face Helmet, Snell SA2020
- KYT R2R Motorcycle Helmets with Double Visor Premium Quality
- ZAMP Z-Tech 8A Series Head & Neck Restraint SFI 38.1
- Edelbrock 60779 Performer RPM Cylinder Head
- Trick Flow TFS PowerPort 225 CNC Cylinder Heads
- Air Flow Research 3150S AFR Eliminator SBC Cylinder Heads
Ultra Shield Aluminum 16″ 20 Degree Full Containment Racing Seat
While not a cylinder head, safety is paramount when you are using the power gains from your new engine components. The Ultra Shield Full Containment seat is a critical piece of safety equipment designed for serious motorsports. Its full containment design, with pronounced wing structures on the sides and head area, helps keep the driver securely in position during high-G cornering and in the event of an impact.
Constructed from lightweight aluminum, this seat helps reduce overall vehicle weight. The 20-degree layback offers a comfortable and secure driving position, while the 16-inch width accommodates a range of driver sizes. Paired with a proper harness, this seat is an essential part of any high-performance build where safety is a priority.
Heads-Up Racing
This product focuses on the critical data you need to keep your eyes on the track. A heads-up display for racing provides real-time information directly in the driver’s line of sight, allowing for quicker reaction times without glancing down at dash gauges. This is especially important when you are pushing a high-performance engine to its limits and need to monitor vital statistics like RPM, water temperature, and oil pressure instantly.
By presenting speed, lap times, and gear position right on the windshield or a dedicated display, this technology helps drivers maintain focus and improve their performance on the race track. It’s an electronic “head” that works in tandem with your mechanical ones to give you a competitive advantage.
G-FORCE Racing Gear GF1 Open Face Helmet, Snell SA2020
Protecting your own head is just as important as upgrading your engine’s. The G-FORCE GF1 Open Face Helmet is Snell SA2020 certified, meeting the highest standards for automotive racing safety. This certification is required by most sanctioned racing bodies, making it a reliable choice for track days and competitive events. The open-face design offers excellent visibility and ventilation, which is preferred by many drivers in closed-cockpit vehicles.
It features an adjustable, tinted visor strip to help shield your eyes from glare. The helmet is also Head and Neck Support (HANS) ready, allowing for integration with a device like the ZAMP restraint also featured in this list. It is designed as an exact fitment replacement, ensuring compatibility and comfort.
KYT R2R Motorcycle Helmets with Double Visor Premium Quality
For those whose need for speed extends to two wheels, the KYT R2R helmet offers a compelling package. It is both DOT and ECE approved, meeting stringent safety standards for street and track use. The premium full-face design includes a double visor system, providing a clear main shield and an integrated sun visor that can be deployed instantly to combat changing light conditions.
The helmet’s shell is shaped using advanced aerodynamic principles, developed through wind tunnel testing to reduce drag and lift for greater stability at high speeds. KYT also stands behind its product with a customer-friendly return policy, offering a 100% refund for items returned in new condition within 30 days, giving you confidence in your purchase.
ZAMP Z-Tech 8A Series Head & Neck Restraint SFI 38.1
This device is a crucial safety component that works with your helmet to protect the most vulnerable part of your body. The ZAMP Z-Tech Head & Neck Restraint is certified to SFI 38.1 standards and is designed to limit the excessive movement of your head during a crash, significantly reducing the risk of severe basilar skull fractures and other neck injuries.
It is built with high-strength Kevlar webbing and features stainless steel hardware for durability. The tether connects your helmet to the restraint and is engineered to allow for great side-to-side motion during normal use while providing protection in an accident. The device includes replaceable padding for easy cleaning and long-term comfort, making it a practical and essential piece of safety gear.
Edelbrock 60779 Performer RPM Cylinder Head
Edelbrock is a legendary name in performance, and their Performer RPM series cylinder heads are a fantastic street/strip upgrade. These heads are engineered to provide a broad power band, offering strong performance from off-idle all the way to the mid-range RPMs. They are an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a significant power increase without sacrificing driveability or requiring extensive, costly modifications.
Out of the box, these heads feature optimized intake and exhaust ports that improve airflow over stock components. They are a complete assembly, typically including valves, springs, and retainers, making them a straightforward bolt-on solution for many popular small-block and big-block engine platforms. This makes them a very popular and accessible option for a first major engine upgrade.
Trick Flow TFS PowerPort 225 CNC Cylinder Heads
For those seeking race-level performance, the Trick Flow PowerPort 225 CNC heads are a top contender. These heads benefit from CNC porting and polishing, a precise machining process that creates perfectly smooth and consistent intake and exhaust ports. This maximizes airflow, which directly translates to higher horsepower and torque outputs, especially in the higher RPM range.
The “225” in the name often refers to the intake port volume in cubic centimeters, indicating a high-flow design suited for modified engines with aggressive camshafts and induction systems. They are an ideal choice for serious street performance builds and competition engines where every last bit of power is critical. The quality and performance of Trick Flow heads are well-regarded in the high-performance community.
Air Flow Research 3150S AFR Eliminator SBC Cylinder Heads
Air Flow Research (AFR) is synonymous with elite cylinder head technology, and their Eliminator series for Small Block Chevy (SBC) engines is a benchmark in the industry. These heads are the result of extensive research and development, featuring a patented valve angle and port design that achieves exceptional airflow numbers. This leads to substantial power gains across the entire RPM range.
The “Eliminator” name is fitting, as these heads are designed to outperform and eliminate the competition. They are known for their out-of-the-box quality and performance, often requiring no additional porting or work. For builders who want a proven, top-shelf component that delivers maximum power for a street-driven car or a all-out race engine, AFR Eliminator heads are a premier selection.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Racing Heads for Your Engine
When I’m looking for a serious power increase, one of the first places I look is the cylinder heads. They’re the gatekeepers for airflow, and better airflow means more power. But just grabbing any set of “performance” heads isn’t the right move. You need to match them to your engine, your goals, and your budget. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, you need to think about the combustion chamber size, measured in cubic centimeters (cc). This directly impacts your engine’s compression ratio. A smaller chamber increases compression, which can build more power, but it also requires higher-octane fuel to prevent detonation. If you’re running pump gas, you might need a larger chamber to keep things safe. Matching the heads to your pistons and fuel type is a critical step I never skip.
Next, look at the port design and size. The intake and exhaust ports are where the magic of airflow happens. Larger ports can flow more air at high RPM, which is great for a high-revving race engine. But for a street-driven car, oversized ports can kill your low-end torque and make the vehicle a dog to drive at normal speeds. I look for heads with a port design that matches my engine’s intended RPM range. The valve job is another huge factor. A quality, multi-angle valve job improves airflow around the valve for better efficiency and power.
Finally, consider the material. Aluminum heads are the go-to for most performance builds. They’re lighter than cast iron and dissipate heat much better, allowing for more aggressive timing and compression settings. While they cost more, the performance benefits are usually worth it. Also, check what’s included. Some heads come fully assembled with springs, valves, and retainers matched to a specific lift range, while others are bare and require you to source all the valvetrain components yourself. For my money, a quality assembled pair is often the better value and saves a lot of hassle. Doing your homework on these 8 best assault racing heads for engine power gains will point you in the right direction for your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower can I expect from new racing heads?
This is the most common question I get, and the answer is always “it depends.” The power gain isn’t a fixed number. It hinges on the rest of your engine setup. A stock, low-compression engine with a mild cam might see a solid 30-50 horsepower increase with a good set of heads. However, if you pair those same heads with a high-compression piston set, a aggressive camshaft, and a tuned intake, you could be looking at gains of 100+ horsepower. The heads work as part of a system, so their potential is unlocked when they are matched with complementary components.
Are aluminum heads always better than cast iron?
For most performance applications, yes, I prefer aluminum. The significant weight reduction and superior heat rejection are major advantages. This allows for higher compression ratios on pump gas and more stable engine temperatures. However, cast iron heads have their place. They are incredibly durable and often less expensive. For a budget-oriented build or a restoration where originality is key, a set of reworked cast iron heads can still make excellent power.
Can I install racing heads myself?
If you have moderate mechanical experience and the right tools, it’s a job you can tackle. You’ll need a torque wrench, new head gaskets, and a lot of patience. The process involves removing the intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, rocker arms, pushrods, and then the heads themselves. The most critical part is the final assembly: following the correct torque sequence and specifications for the head bolts is non-negotiable. If you’re not comfortable with this, paying a professional is a wise investment to avoid costly mistakes.
Do I need to change my camshaft when I install new heads?
You don’t absolutely need to, but you absolutely should consider it. Your cylinder heads and camshaft are a team. High-flowing heads can breathe much more deeply, and if your stock camshaft doesn’t allow the engine to take advantage of that improved airflow, you’re leaving a lot of power on the table. I almost always plan a cam swap at the same time as a head upgrade to ensure both components are working in harmony towards the same power band goal.
What does “fully assembled” mean when buying heads?
When a set of heads is listed as “fully assembled,” it means they come ready to bolt onto your engine, right out of the box. This typically includes the valves (both intake and exhaust), valve springs, spring retainers, locks, and often even the rocker studs. This is a huge convenience factor, as the manufacturer has matched all these components for you. Buying “bare” heads means you get just the castings, and you’ll need to purchase and install all the valvetrain parts separately, which requires more knowledge and precision.