"The AS&M Mono Blade is well known for drive-ability problems and if I could make my HP goals without dealing with them, I wanted to do so."

I have zero drive-ability problems with my AS&M monoblade. Maybe the Yank SS3600 torque converter takes the edge off. I have the idle set at 775rpm.

I agree on doing the exhaust first. It will provide the most immediate benefit and will provide additional benefits down the road with each additional mod.

Thanks for the reply. Interesting on the diluted oil causing the problem. The Dart SHP block is based on the L98 motor and uses all the stock parts including the factory lifers and guide plates. The only difference is it uses a two piece seal crankshaft.

I just did some research but I don't know if you still having valve float problems. FWIW I'm also using a Mike Jones camshaft with the inverse radius and no problems. The camshaft is 228/228 with .576/.576 lift with 1.6 rockers. The springs are Manly beehive with 150 on the seat and I think 365 over the nose. Running stock lifters.

I spin the motor up to 6500rpm but afraid to go higher considering the power and the stock crankshaft and rods. That is the reason I'm building a new all forged 370 motor using a Dart SHP block. Going with the LS7 lifters. Will be going with a Mike Jones 233/233 camshaft based on the success with this one.

That is the one I'm using on my L98. It is a nice piece. I'm going to have to search about your motor. You have my curiosity up.

Now with a modified TPI you get the best of both worlds.

Let me say I'm currently running Dart Pro One 200cc heads on my motor and making good power. However I'm in the process of building up a new motor for more power and higher rpm and I'm going with the Dart SHP block and the AFR 195cc Competition port heads.

One of the reasons for the AFR selection besides the better combustion chamber design and flow numbers is the light weight valves and springs for higher rpm without valve float. I estimate my new shift points to be around 7000rpm.

I run Dart products and would buy them again but I feel at this point in time AFR has a better product. Simple as that.

edited by CentralCoaster

"but not everyone is looking to make 600hp"

No they aren't. But that was not the point of the test.

Thanks Tony for the informative reply.

Tony, if you see this post do you feel the 195 Competition heads are a good 25HP more than the 195 Eliminator heads?

Some interesting comments in this thread. I want to thank the original poster for the time and effort that went into this test. Also the Dart heads did have a bigger intake runner.

1. "25 lousy horsepower". I think most people would think that is a pretty good gain for heads that are virtually the same cost.

2. "If the Dart heads were lightly ported". Could that not also go for the AFR heads?

3."But the 20hp cost $1000". I have no idea where that number comes from. Looks like someone just pulled that out of their your know what.

The Darts heads had runners that were optimized using their "wet flow" technology. The AFR heads were digitized after the initial hand porting by Tony. Hence the CNC to follow that pattern as close as posible. The camel hump heads were fully hand ported and a good job at that.

It looks to me that each head was maximized using what technology the manufacture felt was best to achieve their goals. Just because a head was CNC'd means nothing. It is the final shape of the port that counts.