Top Cylinder Head Brands: Unveiling the Peak Performers in the Market

Cylinder heads are a crucial component of an engine, playing a significant role in the vehicle's overall performance. Choosing the right brand can make a difference in enhancing engine output and durability. Some of the most reputable brands for cylinder heads include Edelbrock, known for its precision engineering, and AFR (Air Flow Research), which excels in high-performance applications. Additionally, brands like Dart and Brodix are highly regarded for their innovative designs and durability. Want to know more about these brands and what makes them stand out? Read on below.

Illustration of cylinder head

Best brands of cylinder head in 2025

Edelbrock

While Edelbrock is a well-known brand in the automotive industry, recent user experiences and forum discussions have raised concerns about the quality and reliability of their cylinder heads. Some users have reported issues such as soft aluminum, stripped bolt holes, and rocker arm studs pulling out, which have led to questions about Edelbrock's quality control. Despite these issues, Edelbrock heads are still used by many enthusiasts, and some models have shown decent flow numbers, such as the new Edelbrock heads which have been tested to show flow rates comparable to other aftermarket heads. For more details on their offerings, you can visit their official website.

Dart Machinery

Dart Machinery is renowned as one of the best producers of cylinder heads, offering both iron and aluminum castings for various engine families, including small- and big-block Chevys and small-block Fords. Their cylinder heads are precision-crafted using CNC machining to minimize casting variances and improve airflow, with options for different valve angles such as 18-, 16-, 15-, and 9-degree heads. The company provides detailed identification through stamped numbers on the heads and blocks, allowing users to research and understand the specifics of their components. For example, the Dart 215cc aluminum head is available in 64cc and 72cc chamber sizes, significantly affecting the engine's compression ratio. This attention to detail and customization makes Dart Machinery a preferred choice among engine builders. For more information on cylinder head fundamentals, materials, options, and terms, visit their tech blog.

Trick Flow Specialties

Trick Flow Specialties is a renowned brand in the automotive performance industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality cylinder heads that support significant horsepower gains. Their Trick Flow Street Heads, part of the CJ Family, boast impressive flow numbers, such as 350 cfm at 0.700" lift and 240 cfm at 0.700" exhaust, making them capable of supporting up to 800 HP. These heads feature 2.200" intake and 1.760" exhaust valves, with 72cc chambers, and are engineered with smooth CNC-machined valve job to bowl transitions. Acquired by Summit, Trick Flow continues to innovate and deliver top-tier engine components. Their products are highly regarded for their efficiency and performance, making them a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike. For more information, you can visit their official website.

AFR

Air Flow Research (AFR) is renowned as one of the top producers of high-performance cylinder heads, offering products like the 180cc "Street" and 195cc "Competition" heads, which feature 100% CNC ported intake, exhaust, and chambers, and are made from A356 aluminum castings. These heads are recommended for displacements up to 383 and 400 cubic inches, respectively, and can operate up to 6000-6800 RPM. AFR heads are known for their superior flow numbers, such as 315 CFM at 0.400" lift, which is 35% more air than some standard heads, and they are legal for 1994 and older emissions-controlled vehicles under CARB EO #D-250-2. The use of high-quality components and precise CNC porting makes AFR heads a cost-effective and performance-enhancing choice over re-worked factory heads. These heads can add significant power, such as a 25% increase in horsepower, making them a preferred choice for street, towing, or street/strip engines.

Brodix

Brodix is renowned as one of the top producers of high-performance cylinder heads, particularly known for their BB-2 X and BB-2 XTRA series. These heads are crafted from A-356 virgin aluminum, ensuring ease of repair and exceptional durability. The BB-2 X head features a 340 cc intake port and flows over 360 cfm, while the BB-2 XTRA head has a 365 cc intake port and flows over 375 cfm, making them ideal for large engines such as those in the 509-555 cu in range. Brodix's commitment to precision is evident in their 100% CNC ported designs, which ensure consistent flow within 1% of each other. The company's innovative approach has made their cylinder heads a staple in the automotive performance industry.

Ford Performance

Ford Performance is renowned for its high-quality cylinder heads, particularly evident in their enhancements for the Mustang GT engine, which saw a significant boost to 265 horsepower in the 2001 Mustang "Bullitt" model. The brand's "Performance Improved" (PI) heads and cams, introduced in 1999, marked a substantial improvement in engine performance. These innovations were pivotal in returning Mustang GT engine production to the Romeo plant by 2001. Ford's partnership with various suppliers and its production facilities, such as the Windsor and Romeo plants, ensure consistent quality and performance. The use of aluminum blocks combined with 2V heads in models like the 2002-2005 Explorer further highlights Ford Performance's commitment to advanced engineering. For a detailed overview, you can explore the Engine History from Ford Performance.

Chevrolet Performance

Chevrolet Performance is renowned as one of the top producers of cylinder heads, particularly with their LSX series, which offers a range of high-performance options. The LSx-DR heads, for example, are capable of producing up to 900 horsepower naturally aspirated, featuring fully CNC'd intake and exhaust ports that flow up to 435 cfm and 250 cfm, respectively. These heads are optimized for off-road, naturally aspirated, or nitrous applications due to their small combustion chambers and emissions regulations. The LSx-LS7 heads are also notable for their enhanced performance in high boost applications, with CNC-machined versions showing significant improvements in airflow compared to as-cast versions. Chevrolet Performance's attention to detail and innovative designs make their cylinder heads a favorite among engine builders.

World Products

World Products is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-performance cylinder heads. The company's SPORTSMAN II cylinder heads, made from high-density cast iron, offer significant horsepower gains of 30-70 HP over OEM heads and are 50-state emissions legal. These heads feature 200cc intake and 69cc exhaust ports, and are approved by the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and the Amsoil Dirt Track Series. World Products ensures quality through state-of-the-art CNC machining and stringent quality control programs. Their products cater to various performance levels, from street to professional racing venues.

Morel Industries

Morel Industries is not recognized as a producer of cylinder heads; instead, it is associated with the morel mushroom industry. However, if we were to discuss a prominent brand in the cylinder head market, AMC (Automotive Cylinder Head Manufacturer) stands out as a world-renowned leader, particularly in manufacturing cylinder heads for light diesel engine applications. AMC uses high-quality aluminum and cutting-edge machining technology, ensuring durability and optimal engine performance. Each cylinder head is assigned a specific ID code for traceability and customer confidence, backed by a 2-year warranty. AMC's products are thoroughly tested before packaging.

Speedmaster

Speedmaster is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-performance cylinder heads, which offer improved power throughout the rpm range, enhancing throttle response and top-end horsepower. Their cylinder heads are available in various materials, including cast iron and aluminum, and feature advanced manufacturing techniques such as CNC-ported runners and chambers. Speedmaster heads are built with precision, using high-grade components and a gravity die cast construction for alloy heads, ensuring uniform and robust castings. These heads are designed for various applications, including entry-level street use and high-performance setups, operating effectively within the idle-5500 rpm range. With a strong presence in the market, Speedmaster continues to be a preferred choice among performance enthusiasts.