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cheap AND dependable heads

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Old 09-03-2010, 09:14 AM
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Default cheap AND dependable heads

Can you really buy a good dependable set of heads for around $1000 that will make good hp? (30+)
It's a common question, but I am looking for some heads for my wife's cammed/bolt on C5, and don't think (from endless reading) that the unmodified 243s are worth it, and not willing to spend $1800-$2000 for a set of heads for what she uses the car for.
Old 09-03-2010, 11:17 AM
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you could find a set of used ported heads in the for sale section.
Old 09-03-2010, 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by 98TAjwh
you could find a set of used ported heads in the for sale section.
that's pretty much the only way to get cheap ported heads I'm learning...I got some 799s cheap thinking I could just get them ported...I didn't realize what people charge for even a basic port job.

You can find ported heads for $100-200 LESS than port work on heads you own.
Old 09-03-2010, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 98TAjwh
you could find a set of used ported heads in the for sale section.
I've seen some for dome not SO great prices, and then you have to wonder WHO ported them. Was it someone with LSx experience, or just some shop worker doing a generic porting job.
Old 09-03-2010, 06:24 PM
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Patriot Heads are a good bank for the buck.
Old 09-03-2010, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Hard Core Z28
Patriot Heads are a good bank for the buck.
this looks like a nice set.

https://www.patriot-performance.com/...ome.php?cat=12
Old 09-04-2010, 02:26 AM
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Patriot may not be the most dependable out there..
Old 09-04-2010, 06:55 AM
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I went through the same crap when I was deciding which heads to get. It's one of those cases where it all depends on how much Hp you plan on putting on the car. Preditor gave me some great advice, he said if you don't want over 500RWHP then just save the money and PP your 243's! I wanted around 450 RWHP so I sent my 243's off to get worked up by a company who did a great job. It wasn't cheap but for what I wanted $1000 bucks was well spent with them!

Last edited by ta-stanger; 09-04-2010 at 07:06 AM.
Old 09-04-2010, 07:31 AM
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PRC 243 or 5.3L heads will give you more than the HP you are looking for and cost around $1000-1100. They seem to have more R&D than the patriot heads.

I also don't think that the work to swap in stock 243s is worth it either. Usually only shows about 20-25rwhp
Old 09-04-2010, 05:08 PM
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used 243s go for $400,a 15 hp increase.a valve job and pocket porting will pick 10 more.go to TSP website,see what you can afford.TSP has a sale on prc heads right now.or check the used part section.

Last edited by garygnu; 09-04-2010 at 06:53 PM.
Old 09-04-2010, 10:53 PM
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TEA - Total Engine Airflow. Pick up a set of 243s or 799s and have them ported.
Old 09-05-2010, 12:42 AM
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Tim the TSP/PRC 5.3L heads are worth 30-35rwhp all day for just a hair over $1K. I've installed a few sets this year and I must say I've been thoroughly impressed with the quality of their new stuff. They're running a $100 off special right now I believe where you can get the Stg 2.5's for around $1200 with their dual springs. Prob could save some more money and drop down to the PAC 1218 springs with that EPS cam and get it close to $1100.




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