I am considering some of the updated aftermarket heads, but have not been able to find out what updates they have that would make this beneficial. Considering building a performance 3.0 (contradiction of terms). I believe I can make improvements to get some power out of the 3.0. I have built racing motors for over 40 years and I see some unlocked potential there. It all depends on how improved these new castings are, whether they can take bigger valves, porting and custom ground cams without issues.
Any inputs would be appreciated!!

 

Every Toyota 'aftermarket' head I have seen is chinese slave labor junk. They wouldn't know a technical improvement if they dropped one on their foot.

Likely cast from scrap aluminum with little, or no control of important alloying trace elements.

I think mods to a genuine Toyota casting would be the way to go.

I recently got a 22re engine core with an aftermarket head on it and I noticed right away the some of the oil dams that oil the cam lobes were not correctly cast and they could not possibly hold oil. It had a badly scored cam. Coincidence??? I think not.

 

Good input. Thank you

 

If you have the $$, a good modification would be to put some Headers on the 3vz. They are better than the stock manifold, will distribute the heat/exhaust efficiently and they will either prolong or eliminate the the head gasket issue that the 3vz suffers from.

 

Yes the headers are nice, but a bit expensive new. I build engines for a local 4runner group and I recently did one for a guy who got some headers given to him. We installed them on his 86 and he loves them. the were a tight fit , but one=ce they at in they fit nicely. I recommend them as well. On mine I ran duel exhaust but it's not as good as the headers. The main thing is to get rid of the cross over!