During the 2019 SEMA Show held in Las Vegas, Air Flow Research (AFR) debuted its Econoline heads, a budget, entry-level cylinder head for the street guy with a big-block or small-block chevy.
According to Tim Torrecarion from AFR, each head is made from a permanent mold casting and backed by AFR’s warranty and assembled with the same high-quality components you would find in other AFR heads. There is no CNC porting like AFR is known for, which makes it easier on the wallet.
“This is a budget-friendly cylinder head for, you know, that kind of street-budget build. The price points are gonna be around $500 to $600 per head depending on the cylinder-head assembly.”
The Econoline heads use the same name-brand components as seen on other AFR heads, like ARP rocker studs and Pack Racing Springs, adjustable AFR guide plates, AFR retainers, and locks. They’re all going to be bronze guides.
“The four heads that we’re offering in the Econoline are all standard, with standard valve angles, in standard locations. It simplifies the installation and build of the motor.”
Torrecarion added that some of the complementary components that aren’t compatible with these heads include the V1 and V2 line for the big-block Chevy because AFR moved the rocker stud locations. On the LS line, AFR moved some of the valve angles. But, anything made for OEM components or cylinder heads will bolt up to these Econoline heads.
The combustion chamber sizes run around 64cc for the small-block Chevy, while the big-block Chevy runs 122cc.
According to Torrecarion, the Econoline heads will be available for purchase beginning in mid-2020.
