Lowmiles

iTrader: (3)

Looking into getting a good set of heads for my c5z. I already have LG sport long tubes, borla catback, vararam, and a 226/234 EPS cam. Soon id like to add a set of heads, a Fast 92 and a bigger tb. Looking into the TEA stage 2 ls6 heads, but i saw a link of a red c5z with the same cam and mods ill have, with tfs 215s that made great numbers. A buddy of mine has a set of AI 243s with a biy bigger of a cam that also put down great numbers. Any opinions, on whats the best bang for your buck?

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Can't go wrong with any of them.

I'd go with an LS6 head tho since you already have it. Both TEA and Ai can port your existing 243s and reuse your existing valves (highly recommended since they are lightweight). Price is a little cheaper with TEA if you do that since Ai charges 999 + springs (250 or 300) and TEA includes PAC Dual Springs for 1199. And you aren't really giving up much power if any to the TFS 215s and you'd keep good piston-to-valve clearance and can keep your stock rockers (best for the LSx) without having to upgrade the heads to make them work.

I weighed my options and came down to TEA and Ai. I ended up going with TEA, but that was a personal preference. I did their Stage 2 since I don't think it gives up any to the TFS 215s... Talk to them both and go with whomever you feel more comfortable spending money with.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

I went with tea ls6 stage 2 and would do it again.
If I upgraded to upgrade to TFS 215 I would also send those to TEA.
Mike is a pleasure to work with, customer service, and quality are all there with TEA.
GL and post up results

Lowmiles

iTrader: (3)

If i send off a set of heads ill just buy a set off somebody, id like to keep my stock heads incase i ever decide to sell the car that way i can put it stock and part out the good stuff.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

All 3 are winners.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

Id really send off your stockers instead of possibly using 243s off an LS2. TEA or AI ftw. TEA stick with the stage ones to keep the stock valves if you do use the heads off your Z.

Lowmiles

iTrader: (3)

My brother has a set off his z, im trying to get his, if not ill try to buy a set of ls6 heads.

jlrz28

iTrader: (7)

I made good numbers with the same mods you are wanting with the TFS215s.

30th t/a

iTrader: (51)

Like the others already said, all three are great choices but I think the TFS 215s are the winner.

jlrz28

iTrader: (7)

I think the key is to call TEA and have them custom made with the lighter valves, powdered metal guides (so you can use stock rockers). I also purchased my Fast 102 from them and had it port matched.

Lowmiles

iTrader: (3)

I would purchase a 92 from them but i dont see it on their site. I dont want to use a 102 because my brother had to drill holes in the cowl of his car to put the last 2 bolts in.

More than likely ill go with the TEA stage 2 heads, and have them put lighter valves in them. Trying to keep this on somewhat of a budget, but from what ive gathered the difference in gains isnt much. If im using a stock casting head i shouldnt have to buy different rockers. And i will deffenately discuss using turned down ls3 valves in these heads.

Im really just trying to get the best bang for your buck ported GM head.

jlrz28

iTrader: (7)

I have the 102 and didn't have any issues. Call and talk to them about what you want, not everything they have is on the website. The heads will work with stock rockers as long as you get the powdered metal guides installed on the 215s. This is my second set of heads from TEA. I had a Stg 1 5.7 head that made great numbers and was even put on a 408 that made 480hp and 480tq. They do great work and have excellent customer service.

Lowmiles

iTrader: (3)

Had problems with the 102 on his vette.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I have the TEA Stage 2 heads. Mike talked me out of the LS3 valves because I have a fairly mild cam (EPS 230/234). So it doesn't need the lighter valves because I won't see enough RPM to stress them. Plus when using the stock rockers, you eliminate a lot of issues that normally plague the TFS 215s + heavy roller rockers. The springs just can't handle the valves, aggressive profiles, and heavy rockers like Harland Sharp with hydraulic lifters. Take any of those issues out of the equation and you have stability upto 6800 fairly easily. Take all of them out and you have 7500+ RPM capability.

SnIpEz

iTrader: (4)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive that I distinctly remember watching you in the middle of a shitstorm with AI sometime last year? I'm guessing that's why you went with TEA? What was the price difference if I may ask?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Does anyone care to venture the HP/TQ difference between the TEA Stage 2 heads and the AI 232cc 243/799 heads?

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

They'd be close. Hell the TEA Stage 2 LS6 heads are within striking distance of TFS 235s in that one GMHP magazine article on a 418 with a 243/251 LSL cam (mild but decent sized cam). And the avg power was pretty much the same.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the TEA Stage 2 heads have larger valves than the AI 226cc or 232cc 243/799 heads? I know larger valves cause a loss in PTV clearance, but what benefits do they offer?

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

That's the advantage for the Ai heads. Great power with stock valves. If you have an optimized head, bigger valves could make more power. But it's not a given. 2" valve is plenty for a 346.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

AI uses the stock valves and from what Ive seen are on par with the stage 2 TEA's that have the larger valves. I dont think you can beat LS6 243s and AIs 226 program. Lightweight valves, awesome PTV so you can mill accordingly.