FormulaTA327

Was wondering if aftermarket heads are worth the hp gains over stock worked heads like 241s or 243s, what would be the hp difference in the trickflow 215s vs. 241 or 243s port and polished. would the trickflow 215s be worth the $2000 over cheaper stock worked heads.

TeEnAgE pHeNoM

iTrader: (6)

Are*

It depends on your goals.

suicidal racing

iTrader: (14)

do you see yourself needing the thicker deck of the aftermarket heads down the road for big n2o use or lots of boost? if not then no if its a street/strip style engine..

garygnu

you can get trick flow 220 or TSP PRC 225 cast heads for $1700.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

One persons definition of worth it may not be another's. Personally I like the idea of a basic proven budget build with a little shot of spray. Still probably cheaper than some high end HCI combo, but would make a lot more power

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

What he said. Spending money on aftermarket heads would be on the bottom of the list on anything other than a race engine, and even then a good set of worked over stock heads can take you pretty far.

GrimReaper

iTrader: (33)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...s-country.html

It's a good read, along the lines of your question

adamantium

iTrader: (3)

Depends on your goals.

FormulaTA327

thanks for the feedback everyone, im leaning towards 243s and getting them worked, not sure if i want them milled or not though

arock24

iTrader: (4)

Who do you plan in sending the heads to? If you're dropping ~$400 for the 243's and another $1,000-1,100 to get them worked, that's an expensive set of 243's...I would prefer an aftermarket casting. I went with my 243's bc I knew someone who could port them for about $300 so I only have $700 in my heads. If you're paying retail all around I would start off with a better foundation in aftermarket casts.

FormulaTA327

was thinking maybe advanced induction could do it, i could get a local guy to do it all for $400 but im not sure if he will do that great of a job

arock24

iTrader: (4)

Is that a friend? If anybody at a shop is charging $400 retail for ported/polished heads..you should probably run. I only went through my guy bc he had experience with multiple successful LS builds.

adamantium

iTrader: (3)

Personally id go with something proven time and time again. Whether its something local or a Well known CNC program. Ive learned the hard way that going the cheap route is almost never worth it. Do it right, do it once.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

Whats your goals? Id most certainly say some worked over 241s or 243s. AI and TEA are both top notch. As for paying $400 for 243s and another grand for CNC work, its still a bargain. No upgraded rockers needed with stock castings. AI has some awesome package deals as well, my .02

FormulaTA327

goal is to make over 400 rwhp. getting a custom speced cam also. the car will be street/strip and weekend driver. the work to the heads would cost me around $400 to the guy i was going to take them to but not sure if he has experience in ls motors. i think i will try AI and TEA with the 243s seems they would make the most hp for the money

TurboMonte100

iTrader: (1)

If your porter has experience and is knowlegable about porting and airflow, he should be fine.

adamantium

iTrader: (3)

Very attainable goal. You could make that with stock 243s and a custom cam. Easily. To save some $ you can get the work done at AI or TEA, keep the stock valves (larger stainless valves go for 200+) and go with brian tooleys valve train (best most affordable dual springs i know of) and assemble it yourself.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Stock castings are good to a point. What makes AFR TFS et. The best is they use their own casting, thicker deck, better valve angles, better spark plug positioning and the chambers runners etc etc. Where stock castings cant compete is the low and mid lift airflow. They STOMP gm castings by far and are worth the money if it isnt an object. The better choice depends on your goals and budget.

If you want great performance, room to grow in the future, and an aftermarket casting I highly suggest you check out these:

Trick Flow as-cast 220cc cylinder heads

Generally about 10rwhp less than the 215s but for a lot less. These run about $1600 assembled.

adamantium

iTrader: (3)

With shipping included the cheapest ive found is $1700 for the as cast 220cc which is what i see on ebay. then theres the cost of running after market rockers or prepping the heads to run OEM rockers plus the trunion upgrade. Not as cheap as you make it seem. You're looking at over $2000 without a cam or pushrods. On stock cubes and small goals like OP has OEM castings will suffice.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Powder coated metal guides is $75
The trunion upgrade is a must for any car
Look for specials on the price. I was very close to buying them 3 weeks ago and I managed to get two sponsors to quote me 175/60 sumthing shipped with the PM guides