dfarr67 wrote: ↑Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:51 am
With this particular platform- I say 'it depends' on your porting skills vs paying someone. I think in case with SBF I would prefer to buy a current aftermarket head that has been clean-sheeted. I'm a SBC guy but am somewhat jealous at some of the SBF Trick Flow offerings. In the last 10-15 years I believe there has been some advances in design software in the smaller non oem manufacturers.
The SBF vs SBC has been an interesting journey. (ignoring the 351C)
Since the beginning, the SBF had a better architecture, but came with crappy heads. Unfortunately, they were all but ignored by the aftermarket. The stock heads were developed for 221ci, and didn't change a whole lot as the engine grew all the way to 351ci. The Chevy had much better heads from the factory, and had aftermarket support WAY before the SBF. It wasn't until the FOX mustang became popular that the SBF got much love from the aftermarket.
Once BOTH engines had plenty of time to develop in the aftermarket, the design limitations of the SBC started to become apparent. The SBC is very limited by the siamese intake ports. Port area is very limited, as there is only so much room between the pushrods. The SBF has a LOT more real estate to take advantage of when designing larger intake ports. The SBF also has a taller deck height, so bigger cubes to feed those heads are also easier to come by.
Oddly enough, you almost never hear of serious SBC engines anymore. They seem to have all but died! Everything GM is now on the LS platform. The SBF when properly built and LS are pretty good competition. The SBC started strong and had a huge advantage for a long time. Sure is interesting to watch it's fall in popularity.
And yes... LOTS of really good Ford heads out there now! ....especially if you open it up to units based around the 351C.
Interesting enough... The BBC vs. BBF is almost the exact same story as the SBC vs SBF!