Cylinder Head Development

We provide competition level cylinder head work that's known for producing considerable horsepower gains. The often amazing performance we're able achieve is the result of constant development, refinement, racing and verification through dyno testing. This is why other shops choose and rely on Performance Concepts cylinder heads for their customers - as well as - for their own racing efforts. We can do anything from a Supersport valve job to building a fully developed Superbike head and most everything in between.

Racing is 90% rider and 10% machine... better make that 10% count. Each cylinder head is different, requiring evaluation and development on an individual basis for best results. Every one we build for competition is optimized for our customer's specific application and needs. Any cylinder head specialist doing any kind of credible work in racing knows, there is no "stage 1, 2 or 3", "config" this or "level" that. There are no "cookie-cutter" performance formulas in true development work, period. So don't let the "cookie-man" bake your ride.

Below, you'll find the general type and range of work we do. The detail and extent of work depends on what's required for optimum results. Cylinder head work intended for racing requires an initial consult, to provide the best possible set up for your specific application and needs. For pricing on services below, see the Service Rates page.

FX-Superbike

A highly developed cylinder head for all out performance, designed and optimized for competition. Recommended for use in Formula racing classes allowing unlimited engine modifications. For applications such as road racing, drag racing, dwarf car racing and heavily modified street bikes. While the detail and extent of the work will depend on what's needed to produce optimum results, here's a list of the key benefits.

• detailed inspection and analysis
• replace valve stem seals
• replace worn parts (near or at service limit)
• optimize/reconfigure - intake & exhaust ports - geometry/profile/finish
• match - intake boots & exhaust flanges (or gasket) to ports
• optimize/equalize - combustion chamber geometry
• match/open - combustion chamber to custom valves/pistons (as needed)
• optimize/reconfigure - valve seat geometry (5-angle to full-blend seat cut)
• optimize/reconfigure - valve geometry (machine as needed or design new valves)
• deburr/radius - camshaft journals/holders/followers (reduce wear/frictional losses)
• deburr/radius - camshaft oil feed passages (improve lubrication properties)
• optimize - compression ratio (machine surface as needed)
• pro assembly

IMPORTANT: The complete cylinder head assembly with - camshafts, camshaft holders (caps), intake boots, exhaust flanges (or gaskets) and the originally installed cylinder head gasket - are required for this service. The pistons that are to be used should be submitted for analysis to properly configure the combustion chambers for best results. A complete list of any aftermarket or OEM race-kit engine parts and/or other engine modifications that are planned should be provided as well.

Prod-Supersport

Legal for AMA Supersport/Superstock and AFM Production as well as most other production based racing classes (road or drag) . Cylinder heads are built to maximize performance while complying with the rules. Service methods are listed for your reference, in addition to the key benefits.

• detailed inspection and analysis
• replace valve stem seals
• replace worn parts (near or at service limit)
• combustion chambers - cleaned via media blasting with valves in place
• intake & exhaust ports - cleaned via manual/chemical means (without media blasting)
• deburring - limited to machined edges to max allowable of 0.50 mm (.020")
• optimize/reconfigure - valve seat geometry (5-angle to full-blend seat cut)
• optimize - compression ratio (machine surface as needed)
• pro assembly

Note: If for some reason, any of the above listed service items/methods are not in compliance with your particular organization's rules - simply provide a copy of the rules regarding cylinder head work and we'll be glad to service it to comply.

Street & Track

Perfect for street riders who occasionally go to track days and/or the drag strip. Designed for a good balance of overall power gains and service life. Provides increased mid-range power and responsiveness with moderate top-end gains. Here's a list of the key benefits.

• detailed inspection and analysis
• replace valve stem seals
• replace worn parts (near or at service limit)
• rework - intake & exhaust - bowl/throat/roof/short-side radius
• match - intake boots & exhaust flanges (or gasket) to ports
• unshroud/blend - valve pockets
• deflash/blend - combustion chambers
• 5-angle or full-blend seat cut
• optimize - compression ratio (machine surface as needed)
• pro assembly

IMPORTANT: The cylinder head assembly with - intake boots and exhaust flanges (or gaskets) are required for this service.

MX-Supermoto

A premium cylinder head specifically designed and optimized for 4-stroke off-road competition. Recommended for use in racing classes allowing unlimited engine modifications. For racing applications such motocross, supermoto, atv and/or heavily modified off-road engines. While the detail and extent of the work will depend on what's needed to produce optimum results, here's a list of the key benefits.

• detailed inspection and analysis
• replace valve stem seals
• replace worn parts (near or at service limit)
• optimize/reconfigure - intake & exhaust ports - geometry/profile/finish
• match - intake boots & exhaust flanges (or gasket) to ports
• optimize/equalize - combustion chamber geometry
• match/open - combustion chamber to custom valves/pistons (as needed)
• optimize/reconfigure - valve seat geometry (5-angle to full-blend seat cut)
• optimize/reconfigure - valve-back geometry (machine as needed)
• deburr/radius - camshaft journals/holders/followers (reduce wear/frictional losses)
• deburr/radius - camshaft oil feed passages (improve lubrication properties)
• optimize - compression ratio (machine surface as needed)
• pro assembly

Mini-Moto

That's right... Big performance for little bikes. Just as we do for the larger machines, we offer all the same top-level race proven cylinder head services for minis too. For applications such as youth/mini - motocross, supermoto, atv, scale-dragtsers and most all small displacement 4-stroke engines... if it burns gas we'll make em fly.

So if you've passed on the racing gene and want the best competitive edge for your little ones or if you're just a big kid at heart with a mini-habit - look no further. Simply email or call and we'll develop a cylinder head package that's custom tailored to your needs and application.

Self-Installation

We provide basic set-up/install tips with our cylinder heads and tech support is included. If you have questions or experience difficulties, please stop and contact us. A little guidance can go a long way in preventing damage to the engine and/or your new cylinder head. We're here to help and can walk you through most any install issue by phone.

Basic Pro-Installation

If you prefer to have us install your new cylinder head, we can do that for you too. If you need either basic removal or re-installation services please let us know beforehand.

Comprehensive Service

If you'd like to further optimize the performance potential from your new cylinder head and extract even more of the available power, we offer a service for that as well. For more information, see Top End Service on the Engine Development page.