Swapping the factory cast iron heads on your Chevy 350 for a good set of aluminum heads is among the most rewarding upgrades you can do to a small block. Aluminum sheds a lot of weight off the nose of the engine, dissipates heat faster so you can run a touch more compression on pump gas, and modern port designs flow far more air than anything GM shipped in the 1970s. The result is more torque, more horsepower, and a motor that simply breathes better at every RPM.
The catch is that not all aluminum heads are equal. Runner volume, valve size, combustion chamber cc, and whether the head is drilled for your specific intake and exhaust bolt pattern all matter. We looked at the real bare and assembled aluminum heads that fit the small block 350, compared their flow figures and chamber sizes, and ranked the seven that give the most usable street and strip power for the build. Below is what each set does best, where it falls short, and who it is actually for.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Edelbrock Performer RPM 60899 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best Overall 170cc intake runner, 70cc chamber, 2.02/1.60 valves, complete assembled |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Trick Flow Super 23 195 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best for Power 195cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 2.02/1.60 valves, CNC profiled |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Dart 10310010P Iron Eagle Platinum Aluminum Head Best for Strokers 200cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 2.05/1.60 valves, raised exhaust port |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Speedmaster PCE281 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best Value 190cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 2.02/1.60 valves, complete assembled pair |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Flotek 102505 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best Budget Bolt-On 195cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 2.02/1.60 valves, assembled pair |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
🚗
|
Procomp Electronics PC2031 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best for Mild Builds 165cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 1.94/1.50 valves, assembled pair |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Brodix IK 200 Aluminum Cylinder Head Best Premium 200cc intake runner, 64cc chamber, 2.02/1.60 valves, USA cast |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Edelbrock Performer RPM 60899 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best Overall
The Edelbrock Performer RPM 60899 is the head we keep coming back to for a street driven Chevy 350 because it nails the balance most owners actually want. The 170cc intake runner and 2.02 intake valve move enough air to wake up a mild to moderately built small block, yet the port is small enough to keep velocity high so you get strong torque right off idle. The 70cc chamber lets you set a healthy compression ratio that still lives happily on 91 octane. Because it ships assembled with valves, springs, and seals already in place, most people bolt these on in a weekend without a trip to the machine shop.
The honest weakness is the ceiling. If your goal is a high winding 6,500 RPM combination, the 170cc runner runs out of breath up top and a larger 215cc style head will out power it. The factory springs are also only rated for milder hydraulic flat tappet and light roller cams, so an aggressive bumpstick means swapping springs before you bolt the heads on. For a torque focused street motor, though, these are hard to beat.
- 170cc intake runners flow strong mid lift for street and strip use
- 70cc combustion chamber suits 9.0 to 10.5:1 compression on pump gas
- Sold complete and assembled with valves, springs, and seals installed
Pros: True bolt-on with no surprises, sold as a fully assembled pair; Excellent low and mid range torque for a daily street 350; Trusted Edelbrock quality and wide aftermarket support
Cons: 170cc runners taper off on very high RPM builds; Stock springs limit aggressive hydraulic roller cams without an upgrade
2. Trick Flow Super 23 195 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best for Power
If you are chasing horsepower rather than just stoplight grunt, the Trick Flow Super 23 195 is the set we steer people toward. The 195cc intake runner and CNC profiled 64cc chamber are built to flow hard at high lift, which is exactly what a healthy hydraulic roller cam and a single plane intake want to see. On a 383 stroker or a high compression 350, these heads keep pulling well past where smaller castings give up, and the upgraded springs mean you can run a real cam without tearing the heads apart first.
The trade off is at the bottom. Drop a 195cc head on a stock displacement, mild 350 and you may actually lose a little low speed torque compared to a 170cc head because port velocity drops. The 64cc chamber also raises compression, so on a higher static build you must verify piston to valve clearance and make sure your octane can handle it. Matched to the right cam and displacement, however, this head is a genuine power maker.
- 195cc intake runner with CNC profiled chamber for big top end flow
- 64cc chamber supports higher static compression for serious builds
- Upgraded valve springs handle hydraulic roller cams out of the box
Pros: Outstanding high RPM flow for a built 350 or 383 stroker; Comes with stout springs that tolerate aggressive cams; CNC chamber gives consistent quench and clean burn
Cons: 195cc runner can soften low end torque on a small mild engine; Tighter 64cc chamber may need a piston check for valve clearance
3. Dart 10310010P Iron Eagle Platinum Aluminum Head: Best for Strokers
Dart built the Pro 1 Platinum family for people who are not building a stock 350 anymore, and that is exactly when these shine. The 200cc intake runner and raised exhaust port are sized for big cubic inch strokers like a 383 or 406, where you need a lot of air and clean exhaust scavenging to make real power up high. The casting itself is thick and stout, which is why these get used under nitrous and boost where a thinner head would crack. For an aggressive race leaning small block, the flow on tap here is excellent.
The reality is these are too much head for a mild stock displacement 350. Bolt them on a daily driver and the big runners kill velocity, softening throttle response and low end torque in normal driving. The raised exhaust port is another wrinkle, since it can require headers designed for that port location rather than a generic shorty. Build a big inch motor with a matching cam and intake and these reward you, but they are overkill for a basic street car.
- 200cc intake runner feeds large displacement 383 and 406 builds
- Raised exhaust port improves scavenging at high RPM
- Thick deck and beefy castings tolerate boost and nitrous
Pros: Huge flow capacity ideal for stroker and power adder motors; Strong casting stands up to forced induction abuse; Generous valve sizing supports big cam and intake combos
Cons: Oversized for a stock 350, hurts street manners; Raised exhaust port may require specific headers
4. Speedmaster PCE281 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best Value
The Speedmaster PCE281 is the head we point budget minded builders toward when they still want real aluminum flow numbers. Sold as a complete assembled pair with dual springs and hardened retainers, the 190cc runner and 64cc chamber land in a all-around zone that suits a wide spread of street and mild strip 350 combinations. For someone doing a refresh and upgrade in one shot without breaking the build wide open, getting a flowing aluminum pair in one box has obvious appeal, and the on engine results are genuinely good for what they are.
Where you have to be honest is consistency. Speedmaster castings can be hit or miss, so it pays to inspect the chambers, valve seats, and machined surfaces before bolting them down, and a quick valve job or spring check is cheap insurance. Brand prestige and long term support also trail the Edelbrock and Trick Flow names, which matters if you ever resell. Go in with eyes open and a careful pre install inspection, and they deliver a lot of capability per dollar of effort.
- 190cc runner sold as a complete assembled pair, ready to bolt on
- 64cc chamber works well with plenty of street cams
- Hardened retainers and dual springs included from the factory
Pros: Strong flow numbers for the value, sold as a complete pair; Comes assembled so installation is straightforward; Multi-purpose chamber and runner size for many 350 builds
Cons: Quality control varies, inspect castings before install; Resale and brand support trail the premium names
5. Flotek 102505 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best Budget Bolt-On
Flotek 102505 heads are a popular entry point for owners who want aluminum on their 350 without a premium outlay. The 195cc assembled pair flows respectably, the 64cc chamber matches the kind of mild to moderate compression most street rebuilds run, and the straight spark plug design keeps header and plug wire clearance simple, which is a real plus on a tight engine bay. As a clean bolt on that gets you out of heavy cast iron and into a modern flowing chamber, they accomplish the core mission well.
The weakness is in the details. The factory machining and finish are basic, so a freshen up valve job and a careful seat inspection genuinely improve how these seal and flow. The included springs are fine for common hydraulic cams but should be upgraded if you step up to a higher lift roller. Treat them as a solid foundation that benefits from a little shop attention rather than a finished race part, and they punch well above their place in the lineup.
- 195cc runner assembled pair aimed at affordable power gains
- 64cc chamber pairs nicely with mild to moderate compression
- Straight plug design clears most standard headers
Pros: Good flow for an entry level assembled aluminum head; Straight spark plug angle eases header and wire fit; Includes springs suited to common hydraulic cams
Cons: Finish and machining are basic, a valve job helps; Springs may need upgrading for higher lift cams
6. Procomp Electronics PC2031 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best for Mild Builds
The Procomp PC2031 takes the opposite approach to the big stroker heads, and for a mild engine that is the point. The 165cc runner and 1.94 intake valve keep air speed high, which translates into strong, snappy low end torque on a stock or lightly cammed 350. For a truck, cruiser, or any motor that lives below 5,500 RPM, those small ports make the engine feel lively in the rev range you actually use, and you still get the weight savings and heat shedding benefits of going aluminum over the original iron castings.
The flip side is the ceiling. Those same small runners that build great torque down low simply cannot feed a high RPM combination, so if you later add a big cam or a stroker kit, these will hold you back. Like several heads in this price tier, Procomp quality control varies, so a thorough inspection of seats and chambers before installation is wise. For a sensible mild build where torque and weight savings matter more than peak numbers, they fit the brief.
- 165cc runner keeps velocity high for strong low end torque
- Smaller 1.94 intake valve suits stock and mild 350 motors
- Lightweight aluminum sheds weight off the front of the engine
Pros: Excellent low speed torque thanks to small high velocity runners; Light weight and easy on stock displacement engines; Affordable way to ditch heavy iron heads
Cons: Smaller runners cap top end horsepower; Quality control requires a careful pre install inspection
7. Brodix IK 200 Aluminum Cylinder Head: Best Premium
Brodix has a long racing pedigree and the IK 200 brings that quality to a street and strip small block. The 200cc runner uses a port shape developed on the track, so it flows hard at the high lift numbers a serious cam generates, and the USA casting is known for tight tolerances and consistency that the budget imports cannot match. If you value a head that fits right the first time, seals well, and stands up to high compression or a power adder, the engineering and material quality here are a clear step up.
Two honest caveats keep it lower in our street focused ranking. First, the premium quality comes at a premium position, so it asks more of your build budget than the value oriented options. Second, like the other 200cc heads, the large runner is simply too big for a mild stock displacement 350 and will cost you low end torque in daily driving. Build a big inch, high RPM combination that deserves this head and it delivers, but it is purpose built rather than a universal bolt on.
- 200cc runner with race bred port design for serious flow
- USA casting with consistent quality and tight tolerances
- Strong deck supports high compression and power adders
Pros: Premium USA casting with excellent fit and consistency; Race proven port shape flows hard at high lift; Durable construction handles aggressive combinations
Cons: Premium pricing relative to imported options; 200cc runners are too large for a mild stock 350
Frequently Asked Questions
Will aluminum heads add horsepower to a stock 350 Chevy?
Yes, a good set of aluminum heads is a very effective bolt-on upgrades for a 350. Modern aftermarket aluminum heads flow far more air than the small valve, low port factory cast iron heads GM used in the 1970s and 1980s, which directly adds power across the RPM band. On an otherwise stock 350 you can realistically expect a meaningful torque and horsepower gain just from the head swap, and even more when you pair the heads with a matching cam and intake. Aluminum also sheds a lot of weight from the front of the engine and lets heat escape faster, which can let you run slightly higher compression on pump gas. The key is picking a runner size that matches your engine, since a head that flows too much for a mild motor can actually soften low end response.
What runner size should I choose for a street 350?
For a mostly stock or mild street 350, a 170cc to 190cc intake runner is the sweet spot. Smaller runners around 165cc to 170cc keep air velocity high, which builds strong low end and mid range torque exactly where a street car lives, while still flowing enough up top for spirited driving. If you have a larger displacement stroker like a 383, or you are running an aggressive hydraulic roller cam and plan to rev higher, then 195cc to 200cc runners make sense because they feed the extra air the bigger combination needs. The common mistake is bolting big race runners onto a small mild engine, which kills port velocity and hurts throttle response. Match the runner to your displacement, cam, and how high you actually rev.
Are assembled aluminum heads better than bare castings?
For most home builders, assembled heads are the easier and safer choice. An assembled head ships with the valves, springs, seals, retainers, and locks already installed and machined to work together, so you can bolt them on without a trip to the machine shop. Bare castings cost less up front but require you to source and install valvetrain components and usually pay for a valve job and assembly, which often erases the savings. Bare heads make sense when you have a specific cam that needs particular springs, or when you want a custom valve job and porting. If you just want a clean, reliable upgrade in a weekend, a quality assembled pair like the Edelbrock Performer RPM is the straightforward path.
What combustion chamber size do I need for pump gas?
Chamber size sets your compression ratio along with your pistons, so it matters a lot for pump gas. A larger 70cc chamber lowers compression slightly and is forgiving on 91 octane with most flat top piston combinations, which is why it suits mild street builds. A tighter 64cc chamber raises compression and makes more power, but you need to verify your static compression stays in a range your fuel can handle, generally keeping it under roughly 10.5:1 on premium pump gas with iron friendly tuning, and aluminum heads buy you a little extra margin because they shed heat. Before ordering, calculate your compression with your specific pistons, gasket thickness, and chamber cc, and confirm piston to valve clearance with the cam you plan to run.
Do I need new headers or intake when installing aluminum heads?
Usually no, but it depends on the head. Most small block 350 aluminum heads use the standard 23 degree valve angle and the factory intake and exhaust bolt patterns, so your existing intake manifold and headers bolt right up. The exceptions are heads with a raised exhaust port, like some Dart race castings, which relocate the exhaust flange and can require headers designed for that port location. Spark plug angle also varies, and a straight plug design like the Flotek makes header and plug wire clearance easier. Always check the head specs against your current intake, headers, and valve covers before buying, and budget for new head bolts or studs and fresh head gaskets since those should always be replaced during the swap.
Our Verdict
For the vast majority of street driven Chevy 350 builds, the Edelbrock Performer RPM 60899 is our top pick because it delivers a true bolt-on experience, strong low and mid range torque, and trusted quality in one assembled package. If your goal is high RPM horsepower on a built 350 or a 383 stroker, the Trick Flow Super 23 195 is the runner up worth stretching for, since its larger CNC profiled runners and upgraded springs let an aggressive cam fully come alive. Match the runner size to your displacement and cam, confirm your compression and valve clearance, and either head will transform how your small block breathes.
More Car Accessories Guides
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube