Jon Kaase’s career as an engineer and engine tuner has a depth few contemporaries have achieved. On Monday, October 15, he celebrated his sixty-sixth birthday, and a few days earlier, he won his ninth award at the Engine Masters Challenge in Cleveland, Ohio. He felt privileged to have a chance to compete again and grateful for the new-found enthusiasm for the contest. More recently, he introduced a new big-block Ford cylinder head, the SR-71, his first in 10 years.
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Raised intake entry ports
• 100% CNC-machined in-house on 5-axis Hurco
• Compatible with Super Cobra Jet intake manifolds
• Fits all conventional engine bays
According to engine builder Jon Kaase, his company’s new SR-71 cylinder head will out-power any conventional big-block Ford head.
Extensive dynamometer tests have demonstrated average gains of 50hp and similar peak gains over best existing cylinder heads. In addition, the usable engine speed range is increased by a minimum of 500rpm. Kaase assures that the SR-71 heads will fit the conventional engine bay, and when installed on a maximum-effort 598cid engine, will produce over 1100hp and rev to 8,000rpm.
Despite placing the intake port entries half-inch higher than customary, all Super Cobra Jet intake manifolds fit the new heads. Clearly, higher intake ports are desirable, providing straighter, faster paths for the air-fuel mixture to reach the valves. Raising them while preserving compatibility with conventional intake manifolds is achieved by extending the port entry face toward the valley area—the head is wider. On the exhaust side, dimensions are stock Super Cobra Jet / Kaase P-51. The entire CNC-machining process is performed in-house on Kaase Racing Engines’ new 5-axis Hurco equipment.
Deeper bowls
The SR-71’s intake and exhaust bowls are deeper than stock, 0.450in and 0.250in respectively. In addition, the intake and exhaust short-turn cross-sections—known as windows—are considerably larger than stock. Kaase refers to the porting system “Ported as Cast”, which means the ports are shaped and sized to their best known contours. “We’ve done our utmost to reduce the bother of further porting,” he explains, “and deeper bowls combined with easier flow around gentle short turns have improved high-rpm performance.”
The intake and exhaust valves are of stainless steel, measuring 2.375in and 1.760in respectively, with valve shapes designed for maximum flow. Also worth noting, these new cylinder heads have adopted stronger rocker-stud bosses. Similarly, high quality CHE bronze guides are employed, and the valve seats are of a unique alloy from Durabond. The CNC-machined combustion chambers provide a capacity of 70cc.
Another factor that might catch the attention of the astute observer is the centrally located spark plug position. Convenient though less visible is the revised mounting position of the valve cover, which is slightly modified to provide more exhaust spring clearance.

Kaase’s China Wall spacers raise the intake manifold above the cylinder block, aligning manifold ports with head ports.
Roller cam heads use Manley valve springs, part number 221443.
Finally, Kaase Racing Engines will again display their wares at this year’s PRI exhibition in Indianapolis, Dec 6-8 at booth 2233, and earlier in the week, Jon will address the AETC conference.
For further information contact:
Kaase Racing Engines, Inc.
735 West Winder Ind. Parkway,
Winder, GA 30680,
Telephone (770) 307-0241 or email: JonKaaseRacing@gmail.com
jonkaaseracingengines.com
Are both the P-51 and SR-71 heads available now or is there a waiting list?
I plan to upgrade from the Edelbrock Victor head to one of these Kaase heads over the winter, but I need a consult to figure which type is best for 514ci BBF.
Rod,
Yes, we have them both on the shelf right now. If you’ll give us a call at (770) 307-0241, we can go over your combination and help you pick the right components for your build.
This is the head that makes me dump my FE 427 Ford engine and move to the 385 series.
MC
What kind of flow numbers are we talking about?
Mr. Byrnes,
We’ve found the flow numbers and have now incorporated them.
I have a 557 with domed Cobra Jet-type pistons. Will SR-71 heads work?
DANiEL,
The SR-71 has an SCJ-style combustion chamber so your CJ domed piston would not work. Plus with the smaller combustion chamber and larger valves, you would have interference issues. Most of the aftermarket piston companies (such as Diamond, JE, Mahle, etc) now offer off-the-shelf pistons with the proper valve reliefs for SR-71 cylinder heads.
1970 Lincoln Mk 3 with 604cid engine, hydraulic roller cam, headers, FiTech EFI, and won’t exceed 6,500rpm. The car weighs approximately 5,500lbs. What can you offer and what can I expect. Also, what intake manifold do you recommend?
Sam,
To make an accurate recommendation, we would need more data about your combination regarding what you have and what you are seeking. If you’ll contact Doug at: doug.jonkaaseracing@gmail.com we would be happy to examine the possibilities.