Best Performance Engine Cylinder Heads of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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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

Edelbrock 50459 Cylinder Head Cover #TOP 1
Edelbrock 50459 Cylinder Head
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head Cover #TOP 2
Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy Cover #TOP 3
Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Performance Engine Cylinder Heads

#TOP 1

Edelbrock 50459 Cylinder Head

50459
Edelbrock 50459 Cylinder Head Cover
Edelbrock 50459 Cylinder Head

The Edelbrock 50459 Head is designed for hydraulic flat tappet engines, featuring an oval port that helps improve airflow and overall engine efficiency. With a 110cc combustion chamber, it offers a balanced volume for better fuel combustion, which can enhance your engine's power and responsiveness. The intake runner volume of 220cc and exhaust runner volume of 110cc are optimized to support smooth air and exhaust flow, contributing to improved performance. Additionally, the intake and exhaust valves are sized at 2.19 inches and 1.88 inches respectively, allowing for effective air intake and exhaust release, which helps your engine breathe better and run more efficiently.

What We Like
Oval port design
110cc combustion chamber
Optimized intake and exhaust volumes
Large intake and exhaust valves
#TOP 2

Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head

5089
black
Edelbrock 5089 Cylinder Head Cover
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.

What We Like
Improved airflow
Enhanced combustion efficiency
Durable and stable design
#TOP 3

Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy

FLO-TEK
101-505
Flotek Aluminum Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy Cover
Flotek 101505 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.

What We Like
High-performance
Improved airflow
Enhanced combustion efficiency
#TOP 4

Flotek Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy

FLO-TEK
102-505
Flotek Cylinder Head for Small Block Chevy Cover
Flotek Cylinder Head, Assembled, 2.020/1.600 in Valves, 180 cc Intake, 64 cc Chamber, 1.460 in Springs, Straight Plug, Aluminum, Small Block Chevy, Each (102-505)

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).

What We Like
High-performance cylinder head
Comes assembled for convenience
Aluminum material for durability and strength
Manufactured in the United States
Optimal package dimensions for easy shipping and storing
#TOP 5

ARP 201-4304 Cylinder Head Stud Kit

ARP
201-4304
ARP 201-4304 Cylinder Head Stud Kit Cover
ARP 201-4304 Cylinder Head Stud Kit

The ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit is designed to enhance your engine's performance with precision and reliability. The kit comes in a compact package measuring about 15 by 20 by 25 centimeters, making it easy to handle and store. Weighing under 3 pounds, it’s light enough for convenient installation without adding extra bulk. Made in the United States, this product assures you of quality craftsmanship and durability. If you’re upgrading your vehicle’s cylinder heads, this stud kit from ARP offers a solid and dependable option to help you get the job done right.

What We Like
Compact packaging
Lightweight design
Made in the USA
#TOP 6

ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit

ARP
204-4302
0.75-13 UNC
ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit Cover
ARP 204-4302 Cylinder Head Stud Kit

This ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit is a high-performance auto part for your engine's cylinder heads. Made in the United States, this kit comes in a package that measures 5.1cm x 10.2cm x 21.6cm and weighs 2.14lbs. It is designed to improve the strength and durability of your engine's cylinder head assembly.

What We Like
Improves strength and durability of engine's cylinder head assembly
Made in the United States
Compact package dimensions
#TOP 7

Edelbrock Performer RPM 60229 Cylinder Head

60229
Edelbrock Performer RPM 60229 Cylinder Head Cover
Edelbrock 60229 Performer RPM Cylinder Head

The Edelbrock Performer RPM Head is designed to boost your engine's power where it counts most—between 1,500 and 6,500 RPM—making it ideal for high-performance street driving. With 1.90-inch intake valves, it fits perfectly with stock pistons, so you can upgrade without changing your pistons. The exhaust valves measure 1.60 inches, helping your engine breathe better and run more efficiently. Plus, the 60cc combustion chamber combined with a 170cc intake port offers a great balance of power and efficiency, giving you improved performance on the road.

What We Like
High RPM performance
Fits stock pistons
Large intake valves
Efficient combustion chamber
#TOP 8

Edelbrock 60559 Performer RPM Cylinder Head

60559
Edelbrock 60559 Performer RPM Cylinder Head Cover
Edelbrock 60559 Performer RPM Cylinder Head

The Edelbrock 60559 Performer RPM Cylinder Head is designed with intake and exhaust ports that provide increased flow and velocity for high performance street big block V8 engines. The cylinder head has 118cc chambers, 315/300cc intake ports (long/short), and 2.19" intake valve size and 1.88" exhaust valve size. It operates within the range of 2,500-7,000 RPM, making it suitable for high performance driving.

What We Like
Increased flow and velocity for better engine performance
Suitable for high performance street big block V8 engines
118cc chambers, 315/300cc intake ports (long/short), 2.19" intake valve size and 1.88" exhaust valve size optimize engine performance
#TOP 9

Edelbrock Performer RPM 61775 Cylinder Head

61775
Edelbrock Performer RPM 61775 Cylinder Head Cover
Edelbrock 61775 Performer RPM Cylinder Head Chamber Size 58cc Complete Single 2.02 in. Int./1.6 in

The Edelbrock Performer RPM Head is designed for those looking to boost engine performance with ease. It comes fully assembled for hydraulic roller cams, saving you installation time and effort. The combustion chamber size of 63cc helps optimize the air-fuel mixture, improving efficiency and power. With intake and exhaust runner volumes of 176cc and 75cc respectively, this head enhances airflow for better engine breathing. Plus, the intake and exhaust valves are sized at 2.02 inches and 1.6 inches, giving you improved valve flow and increased horsepower potential. This cylinder head is a solid choice for performance upgrades.

What We Like
Pre-assembled for hydraulic roller cams
Optimized combustion chamber size
High intake and exhaust runner volumes
Large intake and exhaust valves
#TOP 10

Edelbrock Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02"

5025
Multi
One Size
Edelbrock Small-Block Ford E-Street Cylinder Heads 2.02" Cover
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.

What We Like
Complete Pair
Efficient Fuel Combustion
Improved Airflow
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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 $918.48.

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 Edelbrock, FLO-TEK, ARP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 61 consumers with an average rating of 4.4.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

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.