I think the cam is the biggest mismatch. The heads are a little small, and will limit the potential of the engine, and ditto for the intake. If you're not after peak HP, and want lots of torque, they heads and intake could work, though I would go bigger on both. The cam needs upsized in my opinion. The 75mm TB is about right for a 351 with "normal" sized components. I'm running an 80mm on my 369.
The AFR 165 heads would be a step up from GT40 heads, but you could up the size of the cam significantly without hurting the torque output. Increase the lift to roughly 0.500, and the duration to 215 at 0.050 wouldn't hurt your torque, but would pick up some power. In the end, the 165 heads and GT40 intake will limit what you can get out of it. For a 351, I don't see a down side to using the 185's versus the 165's for what you want, and would add more flexibility for later if you chose.
The AFR 165 heads would be a step up from GT40 heads, but you could up the size of the cam significantly without hurting the torque output. Increase the lift to roughly 0.500, and the duration to 215 at 0.050 wouldn't hurt your torque, but would pick up some power. In the end, the 165 heads and GT40 intake will limit what you can get out of it. For a 351, I don't see a down side to using the 185's versus the 165's for what you want, and would add more flexibility for later if you chose.
I have a tmoss modified Explorer 302 intake, and wanted to ask about the same question about my dream 347 and my current 302.
What AFR size head do I need for the Explorer intake for my bench racing 347 (close enough to same I figure) or my 302? I also want some low end torque for on the street on the 302 Are 185's too much for the street/strip 302? Do they make different models for 5.0 roller vs older 302?
If I want to go with the other company, which size and model number TFS heads do I want for the 347 or 302? Both will be based on the 5.0 roller block.
Unless you have specific favorites, I'll ask the cam makers about the combo with a manual trans.
I'm detecting a slight hint of the putrid smell of the big-parts-hurt-torque myth in this thread.
I think you're looking for it...........
I feel like I am being pushed to build a totally different kind on engine than the 351 Cobra R. Something with BIG dyno numbers crazy idle and nothing on the bottom end.
I'm detecting a slight hint of the putrid smell of the big-parts-hurt-torque myth in this thread.
As you can see in my sig, I've got TW 205s on my 302. A TW 205 is supposedly the equivalent to a AFR 215-220 in terms of port cross section (yep, a TW 205 is a bigger head than an AFR 205).
My car does not suffer from any lack of torque.
Now, I'm not telling you to go put 205s on your car (it ain't cheap!). But, I'm using it as an example to demonstrate that AFR 185s are NOT too big for a 302. Not at all. Match the cam, intake, and exhaust properly, and a 185 headed 302 could potentially be a pretty badass little motor. There is, of course, the issue of piston to valve clearance with stock 302 pistons.
I would consider AFR 185s a bare, bare minimum for a 351. Enyawix, I think you would be doing nothing but limiting yourself with 165s on a 351.