1. Springs
The standard...
1. Springs
The standard spring package has a 1.950-inch installed height and comes with a 1.550-inch diameter roller setup that's good for up to 0.700-inch lift with seat pressures at 240 lb closed and 550 lb open. Optional springs that can handle up to 0.750-inch are also available or Brodix can assemble the heads with springs supplied by the end user.
2. Rocker Mount
Conventional roller rockers will easily bolt on, however for all-out performance applications, it's highly recommended to upgrade to a shaft-mount system.
3. Ports
Every 229 features a full intake and exhaust CNC port.
Cylinder head technology is an ever-growing evolution and these days, conventional 23 degree heads have never been better. Some say the incredible advancement comes from the needs of drag racers, who subject themselves into stringent classes requiring conventional heads. This may or may not be true, but whatever the case, cylinder heads are significantly better from what was available in the past.
If you recall, back in our February '09 issue ("CHP Insider," pg. 48), Jeff Brotherton gave us the inside scoop on a fresh set of small-block oval port heads that were set to be revealed later in the year. That time is now and there was no way we weren't going to follow up with Brodix to showcase their latest offering.
1. Valves
Each 229 is outfitted...
1. Valves
Each 229 is outfitted with Brodix's line of severe-duty stainless 2.125/1.600-inch intake/exhaust valves and features a 40/60 valve centerline. Titanium valves are also available, but be sure to call Brodix directly for the price.
2. Combustion
Out of the box you get your choice of 68cc or 64cc CNC combustion chambers. Should you need something other than what's offered, Brodix has confirmed that the 229s can be had as large as 76cc and as small as 58cc for an added charge; head bolt holes are also spot faced to match and correct the intake flange angle
When we questioned Jeff about the oval port design, he noted that Brodix utilizes them because of their flow characteristics in almost every head they build. While this is true for their big-block production line, they wanted to evaluate how it would apply for the small-blocks. Jeff went on to say: "An oval port maintains a uniform shape throughout the head, from the port entrance all the way to the bowl." If you think about it, this smooth transition ultimately keeps the airflow constant, but not only that; he went on to elaborate that the constant flow also improves velocity. Simply put, this equates to more power, assuming you can take advantage of the greater flow.
For now, we're going to highlight some of the details of this big hero. We should mention that as much as we like the big flow, we can certainly appreciate its universal application with its conventional 23 degree construction. You get the high-flow characteristics of a race head, but you're not limited to a shaft-mount system, giving you the option to use standard roller rockers, intake manifolds, and valve covers.
The next time you see these heads, we'll have them resting on top of a stout 434ci short-block and see just how much steam we can make. If you want our educated guess, we think 700 hp isn't out of the question.
 Ports
The HV 1017 manifold...  Ports
The HV 1017 manifold is the oval port version of Brodix's popular HV 1000 manifold and designed to operate between 4,000 and 8,000 rpm. |  Dollars
The standard manifold...  Dollars
The standard manifold cost is around $395 and if you want to port match it like ours, that'll cost a little more at just $172. |  Height
For under-the-hood...  Height
For under-the-hood space conscientious folks, the total height from the base of the manifold to the top measures in at 6.225 inches. |
Quick Notes
What Is It
Oval port small-block cylinder heads
Bottom Line
Monster flow in a conventional 23 degree design
Cost (Approx)
$2,800 for the heads, $390 for the manifold, $170 to port match manifold
| WHAT’S IT FLOW |
| LIFT |
INTAKE |
EXHAUST |
| 0.200 |
139 |
122 |
| 0.300 |
205 |
166 |
| 0.400 |
257 |
200 |
| 0.500 |
300 |
219 |
| 0.600 |
319 |
227 |
| 0.650 |
322 |
233 |
| 0.700 |
325 |
236 |