Best Performance Engine Cylinder Heads of 2025
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Performance engine cylinder heads are a crucial component to enhancing the power and efficiency of an engine. These high-performance heads are designed to increase airflow, which in turn improves engine combustion and horsepower. They are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different engine types. Some performance cylinder heads also feature larger valves and ports, as well as advanced camshaft profiles, which allow for greater fuel efficiency and power output. Whether you're a professional racer or a weekend enthusiast, upgrading to performance engine cylinder heads can help you achieve better performance and a more enjoyable driving experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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#TOP 2
9.7
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9.5
Top 10 Performance Engine Cylinder Heads
Flotek Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy
This Flotek Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy is a high-performance auto part that comes assembled with 2.020/1.600 in Valves, 180 cc Intake, 64 cc Chamber, 1.460 in Springs, Straight Plug, and made of Aluminum. You will receive one unit of this product which is made in the United States. The package dimensions measure 24.1" (L) x 10.7" (W) x 8.6" (H).
Edelbrock Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02"
Edelbrock E-Street Heads are a complete pair of performance engine cylinder heads with a 60cc combustion chamber volume, 170cc intake/60cc exhaust runner volume, 2.02" intake, and 1.6" exhaust valve diameter. The 60cc combustion chamber volume ensures efficient fuel combustion, while the 170cc intake runner volume enhances airflow for improved engine performance. With larger intake and exhaust valve diameters, these heads promote better air intake and exhaust flow, resulting in increased power output and overall engine efficiency.
Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Ford
This performance engine cylinder head is a universal fit for small block Ford. Made in the United States, it weighs 27.0 pounds and has package dimensions of 24.1 x 8.8 x 10.3 inches.
Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy
The Flotek Cylinder Head is a high-performance engine component designed for Small Block Chevy engines. With its 2.020 / 1.600 in valves, 180 cc intake, and 64 cc chamber, this cylinder head offers superior airflow and combustion efficiency. The larger valves allow for increased air and fuel mixture intake, resulting in improved engine performance. The 180 cc intake provides a larger volume for the air and fuel mixture, enhancing power output. The 64 cc chamber promotes better combustion and reduces the chance of detonation. Overall, the Flotek Cylinder Head delivers enhanced engine performance and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and racers looking to maximize their Small Block Chevy engines.
Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head
Edelbrock Performance Cylinder Head is designed for Hydraulic Flat Tappet engines. With a 64cc combustion chamber volume, 2.02cc intake/60cc exhaust runner volume, 2.02 in. intake/1.6 in. exhaust valve diameter, and 0.562 in. deck thickness, this cylinder head offers improved airflow and combustion efficiency. The 64cc combustion chamber aids in better fuel burn, while the larger intake/exhaust valve diameters enhance overall engine performance. The deck thickness provides durability and stability during high-performance use, ensuring reliability and longevity for your engine.
ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit
This Cylinder Head Stud Kit by ARP is designed for performance engine cylinder heads. The kit comes with part number 260-4702 and weighs 8 pounds. The package dimensions are 27.73 L x 8.76 H x 12.24 W (inches). The product is made in the United States.
Edelbrock Victor Junior Cylinder Head
The Edelbrock Cylinder Head is designed from aluminum with a sleek natural finish, ensuring durability and performance. With a rocker arm nut thread size of 7/16-20, it provides a secure fit for your engine components, enhancing reliability during operation. The 5/16 guide plate pushrod size allows for precise alignment, improving overall engine efficiency. This cylinder head also comes complete with intake and exhaust valves, along with valve springs, retainers, locks, and seals, giving you everything you need for a comprehensive installation. These features make it an excellent choice for vehicle-specific performance enhancements.
Edelbrock Performer RPM Head
The Edelbrock RPM Cylinder Head features a 110cc combustion chamber paired with a 290cc intake runner, ensuring efficient airflow for enhanced performance. This design supports over 540 horsepower with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 when included in the Total Power Package, giving you the power boost you want. Its semi-open chamber design maximizes combustion efficiency while remaining suitable for street use. Additionally, the smaller 11/32" valve stems offer improved flow and lighter weight, making your engine more responsive and effective. This combination of features aims to elevate your driving experience.
Edelbrock 61175 Cylinder Head
The Edelbrock Cylinder Head is designed for performance enthusiasts looking to enhance their engine's capabilities. With a 170cc combustion chamber volume, it optimizes fuel efficiency and power output, ensuring you get the most from your engine. The intake and exhaust runner volumes of 245cc and 105cc, respectively, improve airflow, which is crucial for high-performance applications. Additionally, the large valve diameters of 2.32 inches for intake and 1.94 inches for exhaust allow for better gas exchange, contributing to increased horsepower. Finally, the sturdy 0.625-inch deck thickness provides durability and stability, making this cylinder head a reliable choice for your engine upgrades.
Edelbrock Performer RPM E-TEC 200 Cylinder Head
The Edelbrock Performer RPM Head is designed for high-performance engines, offering a complete cylinder head for both hydraulic roller and mechanical flat tappet setups. With a 64cc combustion chamber, it optimizes combustion efficiency for better power output. The intake and exhaust runner volumes of 200cc and 80cc, respectively, enhance airflow, allowing your engine to breathe better and perform at its peak. Additionally, the valve diameters of 2.02 inches for intake and 1.6 inches for exhaust support increased airflow, making this head a great choice for boosting horsepower and torque. Overall, you'll enjoy improved performance and responsiveness in your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does an upgraded cylinder head do?
Upgraded cylinder heads improve the engine's performance by optimizing the combustion process inside the combustion chambers. This leads to faster and more complete combustion, resulting in increased engine efficiency and performance.
2. Do cylinder heads increase horsepower?
Yes, cylinder heads play a crucial role in generating horsepower and torque. The shape and size of the combustion chamber significantly impact engine operation. Choosing the right cylinder head design can enhance power delivery throughout the RPM range, not just focusing on peak numbers.
3. What do performance heads do?
Performance cylinder heads offer various benefits, including improved throttle response, broader power and torque curves, and increased peak horsepower. It is important to consider overall characteristics rather than just peak flow when selecting performance heads for an engine.
4. Do performance heads add horsepower?
Porting the cylinder heads can provide incremental power gains when other methods have reached their maximum potential. However, the extent of horsepower increase depends on the original condition of the cylinder head and the quality of the porting workmanship.
5. Why are aluminum cylinder heads better?
Aluminum cylinder heads offer advantages such as quicker dissipation of combustion heat, resulting in reduced combustion temperatures. On the other hand, some engine builders argue that cast-iron heads retain more heat, which then radiates to the intake runners.
6. How much hp can a stock tune add?
A stock tune can improve engine performance without any mechanical modifications. It optimizes the engine's efficiency and can add anywhere from 5 to 50 horsepower, depending on the vehicle.
During our performance engine cylinder head research, we found 24 performance engine cylinder head products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,088 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance engine cylinder heads list. We found that most customers choose performance engine cylinder heads with an average price of $1,088.85.
The performance engine cylinder heads are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance engine cylinder heads, including Flotek, Edelbrock, ARP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 643 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.