WS6ICK2k

Well I wanted to get a set of the AI 243s ported into the 232s CCs. With that being said I didn't have a set of 243 lying around and the cost of cores and machining puts me almost at aftermarket price near 1800 plus sales tax on parts (NC).

I thought about their Dart heads 223cc but the price has recently rose 250$ on top of the website price puts them just above $2100. What options would you go with and WHY? Possibly thought about ported 241s but I really had my hopes set on the 243s. I would like to have a badass set of heads to reuse later on when I need a short block in the future.

For nearly 2K I feel like I should get away from factory castings all together. Let me know what you would do recommendations appreciated.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Used 799/243s go for $3-400. Where are you getting 1800???

WS6ICK2k

Total price after CNC machining, factoring in 500 for cores. With the BTR spring package and titanium retainers from AI. That price is for the 232s out the door ready to bolt on.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

You should be able to find 799s for around $300 like previously mentioned. HCR 241s isnt a bad option either though..

https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...o-results.html

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

If you can't find cores, PRC Stage 2.5 LS6 heads are like 1599 out the door...

I paid 2100 for my TEA + new 243 castings + LS3 valves. Aftermarket, you are going to be well above that. TFS heads + LS3 valves + PM guides are nearly 2800.

WS6ICK2k

What were you final numbers on your combo?, I think my build will end up being very similar to yours. Are you happy with the numbers and performance out of the TEA heads? I was thinking about the PRC 2.5s also you mentioned earlier.

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I'm most likely gonna use TEA, they are local to me, plus AI seems to take forever to finish the work in another post I read.

pauls99z28

iTrader: (32)

It takes about a Month turnaround. this is normal especially with good weather coming up everybody wants to do their heads..lol

pauls99z28

iTrader: (32)

I paid AI $1030 shipped for my 226 port job. 226 and 232 same price. But i purchased the spring kit from brian tooley direct W/FREE SHIPPING!. So depending on what spring kit from $209 - $299 then plus $300-$400 for a core that was all for $1700 on the high side

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

It takes a while because they are so busy with all the people who want the best work around....

If you email Phil and ask for an estimate on turn around time (I did), he will give you a straight answer on how long it will take. I ended up getting my heads exactly when he said I would.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Do what I did and order the AI Dart/RHS 223cc heads. According to Phil at AI, they are good for about 10 hp over the AI 232cc/226cc 243/799 heads. It will end up being cheaper doing that than buying used 243/799 heads, shipping them into them and then paying for the port work.

redtan

iTrader: (5)

For ~$1600 I'd rather get some TFS as cast 220s or maybe the PRC as cast also.

$1600 into AI 243s pretty much maxes you out, so while they are great heads they are about done. With as cast aftermarket heads they perform just as well but have gobs of potential left in them.

67rally

iTrader: (5)

Do a search on eBay for any of the following: 243 heads, 799 heads, LS2 heads, LS6 heads. I picked up a nice set of low mileage 243's with almost new .650 lift PRC springs already installed for $300. Sent them off to TEA and let them do their stage 2 program on them.

I just kept searching each of the above terms and mine popped up under LS2 heads, but not under 243 heads. It just depends on what the seller uses for key words in the description.

67rally

iTrader: (5)

The other option is to pick up a set of 317's cheap and let Phil weld the chambers then do the 232cc program on them. I think it's only $150 or so to have them do the weld job.

usdmholden

By the time you find a set of 243 cores for $300, and have them shipped to you for $80, and then ship them to AI for $80, you will have $460 into a set of used 243s which may need other work before they are good to go.

I'd just buy the $500 cores from AI because that "extra" $40 ensures they will be good to go before machining.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

$500 for new or used cores?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

AI does offer aftermarket castings:

http://www.advancedinduction.com/LSX...ccDartHead.php

I'm not sure why people are reluctant to run these heads. AI claims they will out perform their coveted CNC's 243/799 heads and the price is great. Anything that AI puts out performs, so I have not doubt these will too. I can't for them to get here and post up just how well they do perform.

WS6ICK2k

I am not sure if the cores are new or used that is the price that AI charges for good cores, prior to all the machining costs. Basically they pass their standards prior to being CNC'ed.

WS6ICK2k

Yea I noticed the dart heads and was very interested, but the price just increased $250 bucks on top of the internet prices, so for shipping one way and the machining your looking at around 2100 bucks with the BTR kit. They just haven't gotten around to updating the internet prices. For 2100 bucks wouldn't you look into a set like PRC 227s that are on sale at Texas speed for right under 2300 which have better flow numbers for what I understood.

http://texas-speed.com/p-1163-prc-22...der-heads.aspx

pauls99z28

iTrader: (32)

If i remember correctly AI inspects all heads that come in for work and if there is any issues they will contact you and advice you of your options.