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Head swap question

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Old 02-24-2017, 05:31 PM
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Default Head swap question

I'm rebuilding my 5.7 LS1 and I have a set of AFR heads on it. This motor is going in my 71 Camaro and it will be just a cruiser. I'm buying a 6.0 with 317 heads to build for my 2001 Camaro. My question is are the heads interchangeable? I'd rather use the AFR's on the 6.0 and the 317 on the 5.7. Is this a problem?
Old 02-24-2017, 05:46 PM
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317's will lower the compression ratio on the 5.7, but yes the heads are interchangeable.
Old 02-24-2017, 09:13 PM
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Cool thanks man!
Old 02-24-2017, 10:38 PM
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You could try to trade the 317s for 243s.
Old 02-25-2017, 02:24 PM
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If you are going to all the trouble of swapping heads, sell the 317s to someone that wants the big chamber for boost. You are throwing some HP out the window using the 317s vs. even stock LS1 heads I think. Or have them milled a bit. Either way it would be a shame to lower the compression of the LS1 to 9.x.
Old 02-25-2017, 05:15 PM
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There interchangeable but like mentioned they'll lower your compression.
Old 02-25-2017, 07:25 PM
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So I'd be better off keeping the 317"s on the 6.0 then?
Old 02-25-2017, 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by volsfan32119
So I'd be better off keeping the 317"s on the 6.0 then?
317 is a large chamber head(~71cc?)--specifically low compression. If you are willing to swap heads around, find yourself some 243s for about $350-$400. Sell your 317s for $150-$200 and put the AFRs on the engine you want to be the biggest performer and the 243s on the other.

The 317 does reportedly flow a bit better than the stock LS1 heads but with the loss in compression I think it would be as if you put the stock heads back on. Cam-only LS1 can make nice power..I just wouldn't go through all the trouble, gaskets to not at least opt for the 243s. FYI, stock LS1(241, 853) heads are 66.67cc, the 317s are 71cc, and the 243s are 64.45cc.

The 243s are the best-flowing cathedral port factory head.
Old 02-26-2017, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Mercier
317 is a large chamber head(~71cc?)--specifically low compression. If you are willing to swap heads around, find yourself some 243s for about $350-$400. Sell your 317s for $150-$200 and put the AFRs on the engine you want to be the biggest performer and the 243s on the other.

The 317 does reportedly flow a bit better than the stock LS1 heads but with the loss in compression I think it would be as if you put the stock heads back on. Cam-only LS1 can make nice power..I just wouldn't go through all the trouble, gaskets to not at least opt for the 243s. FYI, stock LS1(241, 853) heads are 66.67cc, the 317s are 71cc, and the 243s are 64.45cc.

The 243s are the best-flowing cathedral port factory head.

Thanks for all the details! Helps a lot!
Old 02-26-2017, 09:41 AM
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Thanks for the help guys!
Old 02-28-2017, 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by volsfan32119
Thanks for the help guys!


volsfan32119,


Some great info from the guys above. If you're looking to have a cam cut, heads worked or just looking for information. Be sure to give us a holler, that's what we're here for!


-Russ
Old 03-02-2017, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankenstein
volsfan32119,


Some great info from the guys above. If you're looking to have a cam cut, heads worked or just looking for information. Be sure to give us a holler, that's what we're here for!


-Russ
Will do. Thanks Russ!



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