ssdungeon

iTrader: (24)

I understand all of these are about the same. I understand that the ls6 heads have the lighter valves.... 5.3s will lower the compression.

Now my question is this.
How could I look at a set of 243 heads and tell if they are LS6 or 243 heads?


For say $450.00, I can get a set of 243s however I dont know if they are 5.3s or not. I can care less about the sodium filled valves. I am just trying to improve over the 241s on the car now. The car now has headers, ported TB, LS6, HPTuners, and CAI. With the heads I will be installing a 228-230 cam. I could just do the cam swap and a 200.00 pulley for 10hp increase, if all ill see is 20 HP by switching to stock 243 heads for 450.

nobreaks254

iTrader: (50)

5.3 heads will raise your compression not lower it. LS6 heads are 243's. 5.3 heads have a different number like 862. Not sure if I understand your post. But you will see alot more than 20hp gain by going to 243 heads and a 228-230 cam.

SweetS10V8

iTrader: (4)

I don't know how to tell if the valves are hollow stem or not when they are used, but you should care if they have them or not. Lighter valves mean better valve control and stability. For $450, make SURE the heads are hollow/sodium filled. If not find a set of #799 (same as 243s but never had light valves) because Ive seen people pick them up for $200-250.

So if I could pay $250 for #799s or $450 for #243 with heavy valves, get the #799s and pocket the extra cash, yet get all the performance.

If you've got $450, find a set of the lightweight valves (LS6) heads. Personally I would save up another $500-600 and get a set of new CNC LS6 heads with the light valves.(Read sig)

ssdungeon

iTrader: (24)

MORE than 200HP? wow. That would be nice but I doubt it. I thought for sure some 243s were on the 5.3 engines as well. Thats why i figured there was a difference between those and the LS6 heads.

Also Sweets10v8:

Where can you get the 799 heads for 250.00 Ill be glad to jump on a set right now. PM me if you find another set. I am not into purchasing anything for the Z right now until the Vette is finished but at that price....Id have to make an exception.

Thanks for the input guys.

LS1GMCTruck

iTrader: (2)

" Personally I would save up another $500-600 and get a set of new CNC LS6 heads with the light valves.(Read sig)[/QUOTE]

I agree. Sweet, who would have the best price on the CNC LS6 sodium valved heads? thanx