While driving, what if your engine collapses? It’ll be super annoying to drive further right? At that time, having the best SBC head will be your knight in shining armor.
Choosing a perfect flowing 23-degree SBC head is the key to a better performance of the engine. Both in power and smoothness.
But it gets problematic when you start to look after the best flowing 23 degree SBC heads. As out of the bushel it creates a nuisance to prefer the one for yourself.
Don’t worry! We’re here as your airman. As we’ve done a look-through for a week to represent the ten best of the bunch.
Moreover, we’ve added the installation process too. Seems like a good idea? Then let’s scout out!
Contents
What Do People Like About Flowing Degree SBC Head?
What’s the vital part of an engine? Cylinder heads. It does wonders to your engine by increasing its performance. A perfect cylinder head makes a ride smoother than ever. However, it provides more advantages for your engine. Let’s learn more.
- Extreme temperatures: What increases your engine lifespan? Cylinder head does with its greater cooling properties while an engine is running. Keeps the excess heat away from the main part of the engine.
- Controls air flow: As the inner cylinder head has several passages. It lets the airflow leave the main engine untouchable.
- Absorbs heat: Absorbs the heat from the engine. Keeps the engine cool and prevents it from misfiring.
- Powerhouse: The cylinder head is known as an engineering powerhouse. As it seals the combustion chamber and controls the mechanical function of the engine.
- Better performance: Escalated compression ratio and extreme temperature control properties enable the engine with higher power output and lower fuel consumption.
1. Straight Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head
Presenting to you the number one product on our special little list: Straight Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head. This product rightfully earned its place on the top as it comes with high-grade aluminum and hardened seats.
But what makes it special from the rest? Straight Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head has a 200cc intake runner and a 68cc combustion chamber, which improves performance while maintaining stock compression.
But what makes this product so unique? Let us enlighten you. This head comes with an adjustable thick deck design that allows it to be utilized on nitrous, turbocharged, and supercharged applications.
Other than that, Straight Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head is lighter than Iron Heads. Each Head weighs is 10.33kg
Furthermore, it will fit in a variety of popular cars, including the Camaro Z28, Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Hot Rods, Street Rods, and many others.
Besides, it includes an exhaust valve and pre-drilled accessory bolt holes with a 23-degree angle of intake. This cylinder head is easy to install. But it must be installed with the help of a professional.
2. Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head
Are you searching for premium cylinder head that is suited for the 1955-1986 small block chevy? Then you should end up picking our second product Edelbrock 5089 cylinder head.
Well, it’s made of hardened steel and A356 aluminum casting. This makes the product lightweight and provides greater heat transmission. Hence it has become ideal for giving the best and easy street performance.
Moreover, the intake spring valve has a diameter of 1.46″.The intake valve allows for optimum airflow, while the exhaust runner enables gases to leave, improving the engine’s efficiency and power.
Plus, it features an OEM Combustion Chamber with a 64cc capacity with the intake runner capacity of 185cc, while the exhaust runner has a capacity of 60cc. This makes the head suitable for pre-pollution-controlled cars.
Lastly, Edelbrock 5089 cylinder head has a 0.562-inch thick deck and it must be used with Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshafts as it is not compatible with hydraulic roller camshafts.
3. RHS 12043 Pro Action 23° Aluminum Cylinder Head
Let’s start with the third product on our list- RHS 12043 Pro Action 23° Aluminum Cylinder Head. Its increased flow, enhanced atomization, and improved dynamics make it special.
To meet specific needs, RHS 12043 pro-action came up with 180cc, 200cc, 220cc, and 235cc intake runners with 64cc or 72cc combustion chambers.
Into the bargain, multi-angle intake and radiused exhaust valve seats are included as standard features, COMP Cams quality components and provide up to 5% greater flow than the competitors.
Furthermore, advanced chamber design, thermal conductivity, and a redesigned water jacket improved performance and reliability. Along with it, angle milling is possible with thick deck faces, allowing for more compression.
4. DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 Aluminum Bare Cylinder Head
Best cylinder head low-budget that fits in the small block Chevy engines are hard to find. But DNA Motoring CYLH-SBC-350 came with all these facilities and much more.
Firstly, this product has high-temperature tolerance which improves engine efficiency and also focuses on customer happiness, and offers high-quality aftermarket cylinder heads at reasonable prices.
Additionally, it has a 68cc combustion chamber, which improves engine performance. To improve airflow, the intake valve has a radius of 2.02 inches while the exhaust runner has a radius of 1.600 inches.
Lastly, the weight of each cylinder head is 10.33kg, with a thick deck that helps in high air circulation. It’s featured with pre-drilled accessory bolt holes and is ideal for nitrous, turbocharged and supercharged vehicles.
5. Assault Racing Products SBC20064SC-3/8 Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads
SBC cylinder heads use bronze valve guides, which assure their longevity, Easy Paving, the fifth product, seals the deal for you by providing exciting features.
Assault Racing Products SBC20064SC came with a little block that is completely assembled and ready to use. Chevy cylinder heads are made of a high-quality aluminum alloy that is both heat resistant and lightweight.
Furthermore, the burn and combustion process is improved with a 64cc combustion chamber, which improves engine performance. The valve diameter is 2.02 inches, and the intake port capacity is 200cc.
Additionally, the exhaust valve is 1.60 inches in diameter, and the port is 1.4″ T x1.4″ W. Pre-drilled accessory holes are provided at the end of cylinder heads.
Well, this small block cylinder head fits all 400s SBC engines. It has a 1.45″ radius dual valve spring and is compatible with hydraulic flat tappet cams.
Other than that, the head weighs 20 Lbs individually and this is fully constructed with stainless steel polish valves, robust valve locks, steel retainers, and 3/8″ screw-in-studs.
6. Flotek Cylinder Head, Assembled
Moving on, let’s talk about the Flotek Cylinder Head, Assembled. It has a long-term grassroots connection with 2.020/1.600 valves for race lovers of all ages.
But what separates this product from others?
The first trademark is that even for small block Chevy it’s perfect as it consists of high-velocity ports. This cylinder head enhances the performance of your vehicle’s engine. And how does it do that?
Well, the larger inlet of 180cc valves improves the airflow along with torque. With a radius of 1.460 engine gets a better coherence.
The second trademark is its maximized power for the engine. A 64cc volume engine gets a higher speed in the blazing chamber. It means that you’ll be enjoying the ride in the clouds.
You see, it comes with a straight plug with a universal fit type. However, who doesn’t want a powerful engine with higher combustion in an affordable range?
Moreover, pay attention to its durability. But how does it provide that? The aluminum manufactured small block cylinder heads have steel spring valves that keep them resistant.
7. Mophorn Complete Cylinder Head
One from the Mophorn brand in our list. Though it was not in the initial list yet it’s in the list due to its not being an easy nut to crack.
But why so?
Firstly, the material is of high-quality aluminum. It takes care of the engine by not overheating, balancing high pressure. So, you won’t have to worry about its sturdiness. Enough resilient and give a lifetime usage.
Secondly, you don’t have to worry about its fitting. As the accurate matching lets it fit perfectly in your engine. The boosted casting power embraced ensures greater robustness and a stiff cylinder head.
You see it has a 2.4L top class engine type. Well suited for exactly what you need.
As we’ve raised the fitting issue, let’s speak about performance too. You see, you’ll not be facing issues in performance. As it has a compact structure that passes the gas and spawns combustion reaction through a closed chamber.
Lastly, be unruffled as there is no chance of engine misfire, overheating, or overusing fuel. Because it has improved engine efficiency.
8. Speedmaster PCE281.2010 Chevy SBC 350
The eighth one in our shortlisted list is from the Speedmaster brand. Till now we’ve suggested you the best one. Thus for sure, you won’t be disappointed with this one too. Let’s see it for yourself.
To begin with, the head material is aluminum. That means it’s perfect for any strip and street application. As aluminum handles the sturdiness.
Moreover, it has a combustion chamber volume of 64cc. And the inlet valve volume is 205cc with a 2.020 inches diameter. An exhaust valve whose diameter is 1.600 inches.
While we’re talking about the combustion chamber volume. You might be wondering what the purpose is? The greater combustion chamber ensures the airflow and ensures the higher speed of the engine.
Stay put, that’s not the end. More exciting features are still there. It has a complete set of O-rings. It lets the cylinder head intake be sealed.
That means, with a CNC porting mechanism you’ll be getting an accurately matched one. Plus, the exhaust runner, inner valve with CNC improve airflow and combustion.
9. DNA Motoring LEPOW-038 Aluminum Bare Angled Cylinder Head
Next up, though the position of this one’s a bit lower still it’s highlighted in the shortlisted one. Why so?
Well, it comes with an affordable budget along with an advanced port design. You see, it has premium quality aluminum.
While we’re on the topic of quality, you might be in awe of its reliability and durability. But be carefree. As it has bronze material valve guides and hardened seats which makes it more sturdy.
In fact, with this product in your engine, you’ll be able to do drag racing and competition. How? Well, it’s being considered lighter than iron heads. Due to the aluminum cylinder heads.
One more essential feature to look for here is its combustion chamber volume. With a 68cc you’ll be getting sufficient power for your car’s engine. Also, it increases the performance to preserve stock compression.
Lastly, the separated cylinder head weight is about 10.33kg. That means a wide deck ensures high air circulation.
10. Edelbrock 5073 Cylinder Head
The final product that we’ve for you is the Edelbrock 5073 Cylinder Head. Well, though we’ve put it in the end, its position doesn’t matter in front of its sparkling features.
Perhaps, what are those eye-catching features?
Well, the first one is its casting is of A356 Aluminium. Thus it will give you the required strength by heat-treated T-6 specs.
Next up, your engine will have greater movement of air by their modern combustion chamber. But how? By 185cc intake runner volume and 60cc exhaust runner volume helps your engine to do so.
Hold on! There is more to explore. As we mentioned earlier, as the heads are aluminum rugged, it takes care of heat transfer.
You can see the durability of its top-notch. As the material of valve guides is manganese bronze, and interlocking valve seats are powder metal.
Perfect for beginner-level street performance engines!
How To Install Cylinder Head?
Prepare your necessary tools otherwise it’ll get messier. Tools like screwdrivers, wrench and socket set, oil, rags.
How to install a cylinder head? Initially free from former air-filter and oils, remove old materials, pull off the former cylinder head, restore the pieces and reload with air-filter and oil.
Looking for details? Here you go step by step installation process-
Step 1- Free From Former Air Filter and Oils:
Firstly, it’s very important to clean the old gunks and dirt. Extract the drain cap and let the air filter release.
After that, let the old oil come out. As it’ll let the surface of the block clean. Otherwise, oil might create leakage of water.
Step 2- Remove Old Materials:
Through the help of a ratchet or wrench unravel the intake and exhaust manifolds from the head. Plus, remove the valve guide and timing belt by socket and ratchet.
Look for detaching the rocker arm. Finally, let all the old gasket materials be removed.
Step 3- Pull Off The Former Cylinder Head:
When you’re done with removing the old materials go for pulling off the former cylinder head. You can look for the sequence in a car’s manual.
Well, with the help of a screwdriver try to loosen the boundaries. Remove the mounting bolts with the right pattern of head bolt removal.
Step 4- Restore The Pieces:
Now comes the fun part. As of now you’ll be going backward and installing the cylinder head. What we meant was to install the newer pieces following the pattern you’ve removed them.
Ascend the new head and restore the mounting bolts. And the sequence for restoring is -rocker arm, timing belt, valve guides, intake and exhaust manifolds.
Step 5- Reload With Air Filter and Oil:
Here comes the final touch-up for your cylinder head.
Reload the air filter by following a ratio of one is to one. Lastly, add the oil pan with the recommended oil and you’re done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 23-degree SBC?
The 23 degree Small Block Head is a 215cc intake head. It is designed for circle track or drag racers that desire significant horsepower and less weight than traditional performance Chevy heads.
Which SBC heads are best?
Depending on your priorities, you can select any of these. Cast iron heads are heavier, more costly, and hence more durable. Iron heads are a bit pricey in terms of price.
What degree is supposed to be a stock SBC head?
The most often used valve angle range is 9 to 18 degrees. The majority of manufacturers design cylinder heads with intake and exhaust valves at a 23-degree angle.
How do you choose the right cylinder head?
The first and foremost stage is to set your priorities. Look for products that have long-lasting properties, reliability, and high-capacity material for your engine’s performance.
What is the difference between an 18 degree and 23-degree head?
In order to allow street headers to fit the chassis, typical 23-degree street heads are confined to keep the exhaust port exit in the factory position.
On the other hand, the 18-degree race heads come with unfinished and without seat inserts, allowing the cylinder head porting professional to install wherever he wants it to insert.
Wrapping Up
For experiencing a smooth ride having a top-notch cylinder head is a must. Better combustion, higher airflow, better compression can put you first in the game.
Keeping that in mind, we’ve come up with the 10 best flowing 23 degree sbc heads of 2023 in this article. Not only this comprises marvelous features but also levels up engine performance.
Touchwood we believe that you’ve found the one for you. But if you’re still shuffling look for the differences in product overviews.
Have a nice driving day! Best wishes!
Hi!! Its Erik Stenquist. By profession, I am a Mechanical Engineer who graduated from University of California, Berkeley (UCB).
Apart from an experience of 3+ years in mechanical works, I have been extremely fond of these. But in the whole journey of my career, I have learned a lot, and I’m still learning. This brings me to share my knowledge and day-to-day projects with you guys. Hopefully, this will benefit all of us.