That’s how many heads Air Flow Research’s new facility is capable of cranking out. Formerly based in Pacoima, California, AFR moved to a state-0f-the-art facility in nearby Valencia. At 28,500 sq.ft., the new digs are double the size of the old location.
AFR’s president Rick Sperling tells us, “We have 12 Haas HS1 CNC porting machines, 3 Haas VF4 vertical machines, two FH-6800 Mazak machines, and on order is a Mori Seiki NH6300 machine with a 32 automatic pallet shuttle system with robotics to load and unload stations. We also have numerous other support equipment like two Newen Valve machines, a Serdi surfacing machine, automated pressuring checking, automated tool dispensing equipment, CNC Bridgeport’s mills and lathes, VF2 Haas CNC machine and a Brown and Sharp CMM for QC. ”
As AFR comes up on their 38th anniversary the company that pioneered CNC ported cylinder heads continues to innovate and set the standard for aftermarket cylinder heads. The company recently changed the majority of their cylinder heads over from 11/32″ to 8mm valvestem diameters. The smaller diameter stem reduces weight and thereby allows for a smaller valve spring and retainer. The resulting weight savings not only increase valve train reliability but extend the rpm range by avoiding valve float. Dyno tests have measured over 30 horsepower gains with no other changes! Look for a FordMuscle article and dyno test in the near future.
We congratulate and commend AFR on there new facilities. While many companies in the industry have looked to off-shore production to increase profitability, AFR has managed to be the industry leader in performance and quality while keeping their production right here in the USA.
Visit AFR’s newly designed website for a wealth of information, including dyno tested packages for a variety of Ford displacements.
Not a problem, glad to help! Also, I just happened to check up on this post, for any future users who might be posed with a question directed towards AFR, please contact the sales team directly: sales@airflowresearch.com Please allow up to 1 business day for a response.
By Chris Sperling. August 6th, 2009 at 11:45 amThat’s very cool. Thanks for the info. I like it when “made in the USA” really means made in the USA. Way to go AFR!
paulie
By Paul Lovett. August 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pmHi Paulie, all of AFR cylinder heads are cast in the US with high quality aluminum. If you check their website they have some paragraphs regarding their “made in the USA” claims in the why buy afr section.
By Chris Sperling. August 5th, 2009 at 9:48 amI’m guessing the heads aren’t cast in the USA then?
That’s not a sin, it’s just nice to know exactly what “Made in the USA” means.
paulie
By Paul Lovett. August 5th, 2009 at 7:02 amAwesome. Thanks for keeping the production in the USA!
Are the heads cast here as well?
paulie
By Paul Lovett. July 28th, 2009 at 9:10 amI do not assume to speak for AFR or it’s employees, however, I find the possibility of Zak’s situation unlikely to the absurd. Before speaking negatively of any companies products or procedures, anyone with issues should contact them to attempt all avenues of resolution.
I don’t see all the posts here, but there is no reference to attempts to resolve this with AFR. If there was contact, and AFR did not attempt or refused resolution, then let’s hear how bad it was. Otherwise there are no means to support any claims.
Sorry to hear about your situation, Zak, but we should always play fair. Besides, it doesn’t help to beat someone up before you ask for help. Have you asked?
Disclaimer: I don’t work for AFR or know squat about their business procedures. I do know everyone deserves a fair shake before pummeling in public. Now that this is public, please take this private and report the results - good or bad. Thanks
By David. July 25th, 2009 at 9:21 pmZak….this is Tony Mamo from AFR.
I’m sorry to hear you had an issue with one of our heads but I honestly don’t recall hearing anything about this and these types of things usually make it to my attention. Did you notify us of this issue because I’m sure we would have wanted you to return the head for us to inspect and repair or replace the casting. Also what is a “blimp” head….did you mean a blem head? We don’t sell blem heads so Im a bit confused there. Also, I question how we could have shipped a head with a stripped stud hole. The reality is we never tighten any of our studs here at the factory when we ship our heads….they are installed hand tight/snug for shipping purposes so we don’t have a bag of loose studs and guideplates potentially damaging/scratching the heads in transit. It is up to the end user to properly torque them upon install. Did you get the heads direct from us and when? Who did you notify of the problem? Please call me at your earliest convenience…..I would like to discuss this situation with you. My number is 661-257-8124 Ext. 109
Regarding going to robots and other forms of automated equipment, trust me when I tell you guys that’s a step in the right direction when it comes to quality and consistency. A human can have a bad day or a fight with his wife…..a machine thats capable of the same job makes alot less mistakes, is usually extremely accurate and consistent, and can run 24-7 for more efficiency….a situation that can help control costs for the end user as well (besides producing more consistent results).
Ultimately we also have a fine QC department (all human beings obviously) and plenty of checks and balances along the way….long before final inspection and an AFR stamp of approval on the head deck. That said, in any production environment mistakes can and will happen but AFR bends over backwards for customers in the event we are notified of a potential problem or situation.
Dig around…..we have a reputation of some of the highest level of customer service and support in the industry. I encourage any of you reading this to contact me if you have anything to say either good or bad and look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
By Tony Mamo. July 15th, 2009 at 11:08 amTony Mamo
AFR R&D/Product Design Mgr.
Sorry bout your troubles. However a robot will not guarantee a perfect part. Quality control does. This head obviously got to you because there QC department wasnt on the job as vigilant as they could be. Or because the company cut back as so many others have.
By Robert. July 13th, 2009 at 7:18 pmAlso lets not forget that alot of manufacturing places punish for mistakes and thus the worker will hide certian things if he can to try and keep his job.
Let me say that I’m glad to see those robots working in AFR facilities. AFR sent me a 185 “blimp” head as the worker used Locktite to fix the rocker stud that was “screwed”. I mean to say after he damaged the thread, he glued the stud, and AFR shipped it to me. Good thing I found that out when I thought to check the tightening torque for each stud.. and so I found one of those studs spinning freely! Good flow numbers, BAD quality control. Always check your items, never trust the factory and forget about the word “bolt-on”.
By Zak. July 13th, 2009 at 2:49 amWell im glad that they are staying here. Just sucks that to do that they need all these robots and automated equipment to do the work of a ‘worker’.
By Robert. July 12th, 2009 at 11:33 amI understand why. Just sucks thats all.