How to Get the Most Out of Your Head Porting Project With Nashville Performance

Collaborating with a specialized shop like Nashville Performance can mean the difference between a decent power gain and a truly optimized engine. Head porting is one of the most effective modifications for increasing airflow, improving fuel atomization, and unlocking hidden horsepower. But the process isn’t a black box—it’s a partnership between you, the engine builder or enthusiast, and the porting experts. When both sides understand each other’s goals, constraints, and technical expectations, the result is a cylinder head that performs exactly as intended. This article outlines how to work with Nashville Performance to ensure your project runs smoothly from initial consultation to final dyno pulls.

Understanding Nashville Performance’s Approach to Head Porting

Nashville Performance has built a reputation for precision head porting that balances airflow gains with reliability. Their process combines CNC (computer numerical control) machining for repeatability with hand finishing to finesse areas where air behavior is most sensitive. Whether you’re building a street-driven small-block or a race-ready big-block, knowing their methodology helps you set realistic performance targets.

Their team typically begins with a baseline flow test of your stock cylinder heads on a flow bench. This data highlights restriction points in the intake and exhaust ports, the combustion chamber shape, and valve seat geometry. From there, they develop a porting strategy tailored to your engine’s displacement, camshaft profile, and intended rpm range. Some of the key areas they address include:

  • Intake port volume and shape – Enlarging and reshaping the port to reduce turbulence and increase airflow without sacrificing velocity.
  • Exhaust port contouring – Smoothing the short-side radius and opening the bowl area to help spent gases exit efficiently.
  • Combustion chamber work – Unshrouding valves and adjusting chamber volume to optimize flame travel and reduce hot spots.
  • Valve job refinement – Multi-angle cuts that improve low-lift flow and sealing consistency.

By understanding these fundamentals, you can have more informed conversations with the team and appreciate why certain trade-offs may be necessary.

Setting Clear Project Goals Before Work Begins

Every successful collaboration starts with clearly defined goals. Before you hand over your heads, take time to answer these questions with Nashville Performance:

  • What is the primary use of the engine? Street, strip, road course, or tow rig? Each application demands a different airflow and torque curve.
  • What is your target horsepower and torque? Realistic numbers depend on your engine combination. A well-ported head on a 350 chevy might gain 30–50 hp, while a big-block with extensive work can see over 100 hp.
  • What is your budget? Basic street porting costs less than a full race CNC program. Discussing budget upfront avoids surprises.
  • What other components are in your build? Camshaft, intake manifold, headers, and compression ratio all interact with the head porting. Providing your cam card and intake specs helps the porters match the airflow to the rest of the system.

Documenting these parameters in writing ensures everyone is on the same page. If you’re not sure what’s realistic, Nashville Performance can run preliminary flow simulations based on your combination to help you set targets.

Effective Communication Strategies Throughout the Project

Clear communication is the backbone of any high-performance build. Here are practical tips for staying in sync with Nashville Performance:

  • Provide complete engine specs upfront. Don’t leave out details like valve size, spring pressures, or rocker arm ratios. Incomplete data can lead to suboptimal port shapes.
  • Ask about their preferred communication tools. Do they use email, text, or a project management portal? Many shops offer online portals where you can view progress photos and flow numbers.
  • Request a timeline and milestones. Porting a set of heads typically takes one to three weeks depending on complexity. Ask for checkpoints, like when the rough porting is done or when flow testing is scheduled.
  • Be open to expert suggestions. If the shop recommends a different valve size or chamber shape, ask why. They have data and experience that may improve your results.
  • Avoid micromanaging. Trust their craftsmanship, but do ask clarifying questions. A collaborative attitude leads to a better final product.

Remember: shops like Nashville Performance work on many projects simultaneously. Being organized and responsive shows respect for their time and helps keep your job on schedule.

The Head Porting Process in Detail

Understanding the sequential steps of head porting helps you appreciate the work involved and gives you better insight during progress updates. Here’s a general outline of what happens at Nashville Performance:

1. Initial Inspection and Disassembly

The heads are cleaned, and all valves, springs, retainers, and seals are removed. They are inspected for cracks, warpage, or previous damage. A visual check of seat and guide condition is performed.

2. Flow Bench Baseline

Stock flow numbers are recorded at various valve lifts (typically 0.050” to 0.600” in 0.050” increments). This data provides a reference point and highlights the most restrictive areas.

3. Port Mapping and CNC Programming (if applicable)

For CNC porting, a 3D scan of your head may be used to create a custom program. For hand porting, the porter marks the target port dimensions using templates and experience.

4. Rough Porting

Material is removed using carbide burrs and abrasive tools, opening the ports to near final size. Care is taken to maintain wall thickness and avoid breakthrough into water jackets or intake runner walls.

5. Fine Porting and Polishing

The porter smooths the surface to the desired finish. Intake ports are often left with a slightly textured finish (60–80 grit) to help fuel atomization, while exhaust ports are polished to reduce carbon buildup.

6. Chamber Work and Valve Job

The combustion chamber is unshrouded around the valves to improve flow and reduce shrouding. A multi-angle valve job is cut—commonly a five-angle or even seven-angle cut—to optimize low-lift and high-lift flow.

7. Final Flow Testing and Verification

After porting, the heads are flow tested again at the same lifts as the baseline. The numbers are compared to ensure targets are met. Nashville Performance often provides a flow sheet with both before and after data.

8. Assembly and Final Inspection

New valve guides, seats, and seals are installed if needed. Springs are checked for correct installed height and pressure. The heads are assembled, tested for leaks, and prepared for shipping.

Knowing these steps allows you to ask specific questions like “What were the flow numbers at 0.400” lift?” or “Did you have to weld up any thin spots?”

Collaborating During the Active Phase

Once work is underway, staying engaged without being intrusive is key. Most shops, including Nashville Performance, appreciate an owner who checks in at agreed intervals. Here’s how to collaborate effectively during the actual porting:

  • Request periodic photo or video updates. Seeing a partially finished port gives you confidence and lets you spot issues early—like a misaligned valve seat or a too-aggressive cut.
  • Discuss any desired modifications. If you later decide to change intake manifolds or camshafts, inform the shop immediately. They may need to adjust the port shape.
  • Talk about flow numbers mid-process. Some shops will give you a preliminary flow reading after rough porting. This can help decide whether to go further or stop at a certain lift range.
  • Be flexible on timing. If the shop discovers an issue (e.g., a cracked seat or a thin area that requires repair), they may need extra time. Rushing can ruin a head. Trust their judgment.

By staying involved in a constructive way, you build rapport and ensure the final product matches your vision.

Final Inspection, Testing, and Assembly Validation

When the heads are finished, a thorough inspection is your last chance to catch any problems before installing them on the engine. Insist on the following:

  • Check the flow report. Compare final numbers to baseline. Look for consistency between cylinders (within 2–3 cfm is excellent).
  • Visual inspection – Look for uniform port shapes and smooth transitions. Any sharp edges or tool marks should be addressed.
  • Seal and fitment verification – The heads must seal properly against the gasket. Intake and exhaust ports should align with your intake manifold and headers.
  • Spring and seat pressure check – If new springs or seats were installed, confirm they are within spec for your camshaft.
  • Leakdown test – A simple pressure test ensures valves seal properly before installation.
  • Dyno session (optional but recommended) – A before-and-after dyno pull on the same engine provides indisputable proof of gains. Many shops offer dyno services or can recommend a nearby facility.

Don’t hesitate to ask Nashville Performance for a walkthrough of the finished heads over video or in person. Their willingness to explain the work demonstrates confidence in their quality.

Building a Long-Term Partnership for Future Projects

One head porting project often leads to another—perhaps for a different engine or an upgrade down the road. Fostering a relationship with Nashville Performance pays dividends in consistency, priority service, and shared knowledge. Here’s how to nurture that partnership:

  • Provide honest feedback. If the engine performs as expected (or exceeds), let them know. If there’s an issue, communicate it calmly and give them a chance to diagnose it.
  • Refer others. Word-of-mouth recommendations are gold in the performance world. If you’re happy with the work, spread the word.
  • Stay in touch. Even if you don’t have an active project, follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter. You’ll learn about new techniques and services.
  • Consider a loyalty discount program. Some shops offer discounts for returning customers. Ask if they have a repeat business program.

A strong partnership means that when you show up with a set of high-flow heads for a new build, the team already knows your goals and preferences.

External Resources to Expand Your Knowledge

To further educate yourself on head porting theory and best practices, consider these reputable sources:

Reading these will give you a deeper appreciation for the skill involved and help you ask better questions.

Conclusion: Making the Collaboration a Success

Collaborating with Nashville Performance on your head porting project is a partnership built on shared goals, clear communication, and technical respect. By understanding their expertise, setting detailed objectives, staying involved during the work, and thoroughly verifying the results, you ensure that the heads you install deliver the performance you paid for. Whether you’re chasing tenths on the drag strip or building a reliable street monster, a well-executed head porting job is one of the best investments you can make. Start the conversation with Nashville Performance today, and turn your engine’s potential into reality.