batboy

iTrader: (6)

I'm changing from CNC ported 243 heads to TEA / Trick Flow 215 GenX heads. Hopefully, I'll see a significant performance gain. I have a stock bottom end LS1 with a TR 230/236 cam, ported FAST 90, and all the normal bolt-ons. I made 430 hp through a 3200 stall converter and A4 during my last dyno session. Is 20 more ponies too much to expect?

BrntWS6

iTrader: (7)

I saw a thread where someone got over 20 rwhp and 30 rwtq not to long ago. He had the PRC 2.5 ls6 heads but with a FAST 102.

FASTFATBOY

iTrader: (23)

Who ported the 243's?

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, really depends on who touched them. More recent TEA LS6 heads won't show much improvement since it's basically the same port program.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

Precision Motorsports of Florida (PM-FL).

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

You should see 20+ easy, trickflows make some serious power...

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Trickflow and afr wull undoubtedly outperform any gm casting, especially in low to mid lift where it really counts.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

I'm having trouble finding someone that compared these two same heads on a dyno. I found one person that went from PRC ported 5.3 heads to Trick Flow as cast 220 heads and made 19 hp. I'm assuming since the 243 heads are a little better than 5.3 and the TF CNC 215 is a little better than TF as cast 220, that maybe I'll see a comparable gain. Guess I'll find out.

Ws6kid.

I have a set of TFS heads and they rock.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Just dont forget you will need roller rockers or order the heads with powdered metal guides for stock rockers.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

I already have Crane Gold "quick lift" roller tip rockers. I might need longer pushrods though. I also have an adjustable pushrod checker on the way along with new gaskets.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

I don't know anything about that particular vendors CNC work. I will just say take the "aftermarket is always superior" feedback with a whole shaker of salt.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...-gm-5-3-a.html

I am not saying you should consider either of the products reviewed in that thread, just offering it as rebuttal to the multiple people who blindly believe in the magical superiority of anything aftermarket.

This is one of VERY few times I will side with fatboy WHO ported the castings matters more than where the casting came from.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

Nailed it!

The main difference will be under the curve power.

Just about anyone with a dremel and some bits can make decent peak flow numbers, but the low lift and mid lift flow areas along with making the exhaust port flow just as well are where the art form of cylinder head porting shows itself.

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Would have to say to the OP, have you considered any other mods? Taking a pair of heads off you most likely paid $1500 or so to slap on a $3000 set of heads with hopes to gain 20hp?

That's a lot of cash betting that they will make a significant difference.

I will be considering LS3 if I decide to tear the engine down again.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

Wow, $3,000? I paid a lot less than that for these Trick Flows. I burned up an exhaust valve on the 243 heads (too much nitrous and too much timing). Although the heads are repairable (needs a new valve, seat insert, and probably valve guide), instead I decided to go in a different direction. I wanted to try Trick Flow heads for years. Anyone want a cheap pair of ported 243 heads?

Martin, if I were to ditch the Thunder Racing 230/236 cam I currently have, what would be a good replacement to compliment the TF 215 heads? Is the Pollutor cam too big for a LS1? Been sort of wanting to try LSL lobes.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

You've got a good cathedral port cam already in your 230/236. What is the LSA and ICL of the current 230/236 cam?

The V.2 I came up with only uses a LSL intake lobe. I use a lobe on the exhaust that opens almost just as quickly as the LSL @.200, yet slows more than the LSL does @.050 and @.020 which sets the valve back down on it's seat softer than the LSL. The LSL still does this to some extent, I just feel it is a little too fast on the closing to be used on most applications on the exhaust side. I like a fast opening softer closing exhaust valve, but I do use the LSL on the exhaust for my "SNP Torque Cam".

The V.2 would make more power than the current cam you have, but it's not like you have a bad one now. I also think the 3200 stall is too tight for the Polluter, and I think others would agree with that.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

It has a 112 LSA, not sure about the ICL.

Good point about the converter.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

I think you should keep the cam you have and go with the TEA CNC TFS 215's and talk to them about the PM guides and using stock rockers. That would be one nice package.

batboy

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for your input, Martin. Think I'll stay with my current cam for now as you suggested and see how the new heads work out. I no longer have the stock rockers, so I will install my current roller rockers. Heads and gaskets are on the way. The only thing left to work out is the pushrod length and then retune of course. Sure would like to put down 450 hp on the dyno.

john563

iTrader: (17)

keep us posted would like to see the results changing just heads since your an A4 like me