Twisted Wedge 170's: opinions

[86 50CPRI]

I have had a set of these for a few years in a box, didnt know exactly which ones I really had. I found recently they are the 170's. I thought the TW's were bigger, but they do have the 2.02 valves and 61 cc chambers. I have a selection of engines that I want to put together: a stock bore 5.0 that will get a freshen up, a + .030 5.0, or a 347 that I bought used, will get rings and bearings. Currently has E7's on it, but they will not stay on it.

My question is, how do you think the 347 will do with these heads, or should I look for something else? Would these heads be better suited for a smaller (stock) displacement engine? Let me have your recommendations..

[zac_f83]

The TW heads came in many configurations 170, 185, 190, ect

on a 302 the 170's will make 350hp NA or so

a 347 would really like 185+'s but the 170's are CERTAINLY better than the E7's depending on the CR and combo used on the 347 you'd probably see 420hp or so (A good friend has a 380hp iron head 347 10:1CR with a dual plane intake)

TW heads usually need the matching pistons and it's likely the 2.02 valves will not clear stock piston reliefs

[MY 85 GT]

I jsut bolted on a set of TW 170cc's on my 87 get i thought that would be fine and clear the pistons..I also thought the 87-93 pistons were different then 86...85 etc...am i right on thinking this?

[zac_f83]

it depends on the cam you use- but generally 2.02 valves do not clear the stock piston valve reliefs...

[MY 85 GT]

it depends on the cam you use- but generally 2.02 valves do not clear the stock piston valve reliefs...

im using the stock cam....and 1.6 roller rockers...

[MY 85 GT]

Trickflows instructions say this....

Trick Flow® patented Twisted Wedge® 170 performance aluminum cylinder heads feature Trick Flow® revolutionary "twisted wedge" combustion chambers to build more midrange and top-end power without sacrificing bottom-end torque. Here's how it works: Trick Flow® engineers rotated the valves and moved them over the center of the cylinder bores. This optimizes the valve angles and the combustion chamber shape to dramatically boost airflow and allow for a more complete combustion of the air/fuel charge. And, unlike other brands, Trick Flow® Twisted Wedge® heads are the only aftermarket heads that can run 2.020 in./1.600 in. valves with stock, unmodified pistons and performance camshafts with up to 0.550 in. of lift. The Twisted Wedge® series heads are built for heavy-duty use, too. They have 0.560 in. thick combustion chamber walls and fire decks for added strength without a loss of cooling capacity, plus additional support risers in the water jackets for increased head gasket integrity. The Twisted Wedge® 170 heads are designed to be performance replacements for stock Ford heads and are 50-state emissions-legal on 1996 and earlier 289, 302, and 351W Fords (CARB E.O. #D-369-12). All Twisted Wedge® series heads work with most OEM and aftermarket intake and exhaust manifolds/headers. The heads come fully assembled and ready to install right out of the box with stainless steel valves (intakes are backcut for improved flow), valve springs, locks, retainers, ARP rocker studs, and guideplates. Bare cylinder head castings are also available.

[horsepowerjunkie]

I run the TW 170's on a stock 89 short block with Comp XE266HR cam
(216/224 @ .050 .544/.555 lift), my bro-in-law has them on a 331 w/ X303 cam, my neighbor has them on a 347 with a Comp XE274HR, they all run out standing with the TW 170 heads.

The first ford engine I built was for my son's 87 LX that had a flat top 351w, TW 170's, Comp XE284 hydraulic flat tappet cam, carburated backed by a c4 & 3.73's, that car ran the best of 11.23 @ 118, which just goes to show they are a very versatile head, that would well with alot of engine sizes. Just my experiance!

[zac_f83]

Trickflows instructions say this....

Trick Flow® patented Twisted Wedge® 170 performance aluminum cylinder heads feature Trick Flow® revolutionary "twisted wedge" combustion chambers to build more midrange and top-end power without sacrificing bottom-end torque. Here's how it works: Trick Flow® engineers rotated the valves and moved them over the center of the cylinder bores. This optimizes the valve angles and the combustion chamber shape to dramatically boost airflow and allow for a more complete combustion of the air/fuel charge. And, unlike other brands, Trick Flow® Twisted Wedge® heads are the only aftermarket heads that can run 2.020 in./1.600 in. valves with stock, unmodified pistons and performance camshafts with up to 0.550 in. of lift. The Twisted Wedge® series heads are built for heavy-duty use, too. They have 0.560 in. thick combustion chamber walls and fire decks for added strength without a loss of cooling capacity, plus additional support risers in the water jackets for increased head gasket integrity. The Twisted Wedge® 170 heads are designed to be performance replacements for stock Ford heads and are 50-state emissions-legal on 1996 and earlier 289, 302, and 351W Fords (CARB E.O. #D-369-12). All Twisted Wedge® series heads work with most OEM and aftermarket intake and exhaust manifolds/headers. The heads come fully assembled and ready to install right out of the box with stainless steel valves (intakes are backcut for improved flow), valve springs, locks, retainers, ARP rocker studs, and guideplates. Bare cylinder head castings are also available.

Like I said it depends on the cam you use a stock one obviously falls into the usable category PTVC should be checked regardless even though they say they will clear you can't go off that..

[MY 85 GT]

I run the TW 170's on a stock 89 short block with Comp XE266HR cam
(216/224 @ .050 .544/.555 lift), my bro-in-law has them on a 331 w/ X303 cam, my neighbor has them on a 347 with a Comp XE274HR, they all run out standing with the TW 170 heads.

The first ford engine I built was for my son's 87 LX that had a flat top 351w, TW 170's, Comp XE284 hydraulic flat tappet cam, carburated backed by a c4 & 3.73's, that car ran the best of 11.23 @ 118, which just goes to show they are a very versatile head, that would well with alot of engine sizes. Just my experiance!

Cool im guessing i should be fine then...Also yeah im sure the shop is checking the clearance...

[zac_f83]

Cool im guessing i should be fine then...Also yeah im sure the shop is checking the clearance...

A shop won't do anything you don't tell them.. even then you have to make sure they do it cause chances are they won't

[MY 85 GT]

A shop won't do anything you don't tell them.. even then you have to make sure they do it cause chances are they won't

Well if they go to start the car and go to tune it and something happens then im guessing there screwed..The shop should know what fits and dont..I would think...In my Line of work i know what works on what,.,.

[86darkside]

trick flow tested one of thier kits(170 heads) on a FLAT TOP 306 with 9.5:1 compression and made 350 h.p if they used a flat top with relifs why would it be a problem..dont go radical on the cam use their stage 1.

[MY 85 GT]

trick flow tested one of thier kits(170 heads) on a FLAT TOP 306 with 9.5:1 compression and made 350 h.p if they used a flat top with relifs why would it be a problem..dont go radical on the cam use their stage 1.

Thats what im thinking my car has the 4 reliefs pistons and my stock cam is like .444 lift im running 1.6 roller rockers im thinking i should be ok....

[zac_f83]

Well if they go to start the car and go to tune it and something happens then im guessing there screwed..The shop should know what fits and dont..I would think...In my Line of work i know what works on what,.,.

NO the machine shop that did the work is F'ed if a valve smacks a piston or some other bad happening to the engine that you didn't touch -using a stock cam I sure you'll be fine

Like I said it depends on the cam and the rest of the combo some stuff works and some stuff don't..

You can't go off what the manufacture says- no 2 builds are the same even with the same parts..

[MY 85 GT]

NO the machine shop that did the work is F'ed if a valve smacks a piston or some other bad happening to the engine that you didn't touch -using a stock cam I sure you'll be fine

Like I said it depends on the cam and the rest of the combo some stuff works and some stuff don't..

You can't go off what the manufacture says- no 2 builds are the same even with the same parts..

Yeah my combo is simple stock 302 Trickflow TW 170cc heads,Trickflow street heat intake,New double roller timing chain,1.6 roller rockers,On3 turbo kit...42 injectors,340 lph fuel pump,Snow performance meth kit,Tunning is going to be done with a moates QH...so i think i should be ok...

[LXguy]

The TW 170 heads are very awesome.

I had a 347 stroker with unported 170s go high 10s. they were slightly milled and had a valve job. They are about a twin flow wise to an AFR 185 head.

You can clear a surprising amount of camshaft with TW heads and stock pistons. In addition to being rotated in the chamber, the valve angle is also different. Valve springs and such are a little weak, but with a stock or mild cam they are plenty fine.

They work well on 302s also. You'd be hard put to find a better head for any kind of mild to mild-hot build.

[MY 85 GT]

Thats good to hear...Im hoping they peform very well on my turbo build....

[capri debris]

TF advertises their 170 and the stage 1 cam to specifically work with the '86 302 that was the only year to come with flat top pistons. I've talked with the guys at TF several times about P to T clearance on an '86 with true flat tops before I bought their Track Heat top end kit.... and they assured me it would be NO problem what so ever... and they were right. I installed their kit and had plenty of clearance... so there is absolutely no reason to worry about it on ANY 302 between the years of 79-93, regardless of the valve having reliefs or not. Actually, any reliefs on your pistons at all will hurt performance since it will lower your compression ratio... TF heads make the most power with true flat tops... this is right out of the mouths of TF to me on the phone.

[DadBox]

I have had a set of these for a few years in a box, didnt know exactly which ones I really had. I found recently they are the 170's. I thought the TW's were bigger, but they do have the 2.02 valves and 61 cc chambers. I have a selection of engines that I want to put together: a stock bore 5.0 that will get a freshen up, a + .030 5.0, or a 347 that I bought used, will get rings and bearings. Currently has E7's on it, but they will not stay on it.

My question is, how do you think the 347 will do with these heads, or should I look for something else? Would these heads be better suited for a smaller (stock) displacement engine? Let me have your recommendations..

I recommend selling those heads. To me! I'd love to have a set on the '79. Tell you what, I'll even drive all the way over to get them. Too bad they aren't the 58cc heads, but beggars can't be choosers, right?

The '85 Capri has ported 170s on its 347 and runs 11.5@118 all motor, it's a full-weight stick car with 4.10s. Put down 380/385 on the chassis dyno at AMP in Phoenix a few years ago. On pump gas.

[Adam]

The first ford engine I built was for my son's 87 LX that had a flat top 351w, TW 170's, Comp XE284 hydraulic flat tappet cam, carburated backed by a c4 & 3.73's, that car ran the best of 11.23 @ 118, which just goes to show they are a very versatile head, that would well with alot of engine sizes. Just my experiance!

This statement needs to be paid attention to. 99 out of 100 people think that they need huge heads on a 306-347.(kinda like people think they need huge carbs) Unless you are revving it to the moon, I disagree. 170's will be fine on anything but a crazy race motor. If thats what you were building then you wouldn't be asking us..lol. 170 is more than sufficient for 99% of the small block street fords out there.

[86 50CPRI]

I recommend selling those heads. To me! I'd love to have a set on the '79. Tell you what, I'll even drive all the way over to get them. Too bad they aren't the 58cc heads, but beggars can't be choosers, right?

The '85 Capri has ported 170s on its 347 and runs 11.5@118 all motor, it's a full-weight stick car with 4.10s. Put down 380/385 on the chassis dyno at AMP in Phoenix a few years ago. On pump gas.

This is what I WANT to here!!!

I run the TW 170's on a stock 89 short block with Comp XE266HR cam
(216/224 @ .050 .544/.555 lift), my bro-in-law has them on a 331 w/ X303 cam, my neighbor has them on a 347 with a Comp XE274HR, they all run out standing with the TW 170 heads.

The first ford engine I built was for my son's 87 LX that had a flat top 351w, TW 170's, Comp XE284 hydraulic flat tappet cam, carburated backed by a c4 & 3.73's, that car ran the best of 11.23 @ 118, which just goes to show they are a very versatile head, that would well with alot of engine sizes. Just my experiance!

Great Numbers!!

This statement needs to be paid attention to. 99 out of 100 people think that they need huge heads on a 306-347.(kinda like people think they need huge carbs) Unless you are revving it to the moon, I disagree. 170's will be fine on anything but a crazy race motor. If thats what you were building then you wouldn't be asking us..lol. 170 is more than sufficient for 99% of the small block street fords out there.

yea, no crazy race motor, just something tight for the street. I new they would be superior to the E7 heads, just didnt know if folks stepped up to a bigger head for a higher displacement engine. Thanks for calming my nerves about the size of the heads. Sounds like I'll be fine using them on the 347, as intended.

[abad82rs]

Hello there, we just freshened my LIL 306 and bumped it up a little !!! cut the heads to get it just shy of 11.1, heads have a minor rough & roll, my pistons are flycut with a Victor Jr. and custom camshaft. It dynoed at the flywheel on a SUPERFLOW 902 at 452 HP @ 6800 and 371 ft lbs peak TQ !!!! TWISTED WEDGES RULE !!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I have a set of "TRICK" R SERIES heads to put on my 393 I'm putting together for my NEW car an 80 RS CAPRI ..... I need a new project to put my 306 in cuz I sold my Vert last fall and the 306 is the motor out of it ...... it made like 420 HP when built 7 years ago .... Keith

[86 50CPRI]

452 from a 306..nice!

[from6to8]

I have had a set of these for a few years in a box, didnt know exactly which ones I really had. I found recently they are the 170's. I thought the TW's were bigger, but they do have the 2.02 valves and 61 cc chambers. I have a selection of engines that I want to put together: a stock bore 5.0 that will get a freshen up, a + .030 5.0, or a 347 that I bought used, will get rings and bearings. Currently has E7's on it, but they will not stay on it.

My question is, how do you think the 347 will do with these heads, or should I look for something else? Would these heads be better suited for a smaller (stock) displacement engine? Let me have your recommendations..

Hey what did you end up doing/going with? I have an SN95 and wanting to use my TF 170's on my Na ,weekend driving, non track 331 that I'm going to build.

[from6to8]

This statement needs to be paid attention to. 99 out of 100 people think that they need huge heads on a 306-347.(kinda like people think they need huge carbs) Unless you are revving it to the moon, I disagree. 170's will be fine on anything but a crazy race motor. If thats what you were building then you wouldn't be asking us..lol. 170 is more than sufficient for 99% of the small block street fords out there.

hi here's my intentions:

My car will be just a weekend driving streetcar, No track. I have a built 302 that's wrecked and since I'm going to buy another SN95 cobra and do a 400 and still want a Termi as well, the car I bought last yr I wanted to just do a 331 with it. It doesn't have to be a maxed out 331 because of the other 2 cars i will have. I expect 500 rwhp with the Cobra ( 400 W), and 675ish with the Termi. All my cars will be just nice weekend driving streetcars and no track. I'll drive one hear and there to work sometimes.

I intended to use my Edel performer rpm 2 intake, TF 170s milled down from 62 cc, milled down to not have to use the o ring head gasket, 75 mm maf with cold air pipe, and 70 mm tb. I'd buy and upgrade to 30 lb injectors, 1 5/8 or 1 3/4 LTs , X pipe, and the builder is going to do a custom cam. He said compression should be 10-10.5:1

Someone suggested to me that using the 170's for the 331 makes really no sense as far as the heads will run out of steam and not taking advantage of the extra stroke. Said in that regard going 306 would be best. That's why I googled 331 combinations and wanted to see who all used 170s with a 331.

Thanks for your help