YellowToy/A

iTrader: (1)

TSP has many different heads and I am trying to pick one. They have:
PRC 5.3L Stage 1.5 Ported Heads
PRC 5.3L Stage 2.5 Ported Heads
PRC LS6 CNC Ported Heads
PRC 200cc Terminator Series Cylinder Heads

I think they all flow the same

Can someone tell me the difference between all of them. I think I want to get the Terminator heads. Do I need to get there competition valve job with them or do they have it? Which is the best head for the money? Should I get the Terminator? Or will the 5.3 Stage 1.5 work just as well?

Dr. Jeckel

iTrader: (12)

Kinda depends on the cam you are going to choose. I personally am going with the 5.3l stage 2.5, since it has smaller runners than the LS6 and cheaper since it already comes with the PRC dual springs, and it raises the compression a little.
Just my opinion

YellowToy/A

iTrader: (1)

Why the 2.5s and not the 1.5? are you going to get them hand finished?

03 BUSA

iTrader: (25)

I would call and talk to Trevor at TSP, he will get you set up.

Dr. Jeckel

iTrader: (12)

2.5 has larger valves

GADIB

The difference between the Terminator series heads and LS6 heads are the runners. The terminator heads have smaller runners, 200cc. The LS6 heads are 237cc. Terminator heads will produce a power band similar to AFR 205s. Both heads (Terms & LS6) flow the same, but you'll make more torque in the low and midrange with the Ternminators, but some guys have reported that the LS6 heads breathe a tad better up top.

In reference to the 5.3 Stg 1.5 and 2.5 heads, they are the same head, but different valve sizes. the 1.5s have the 2.02/1.57 valves and the 2.5s have the 2.04/1.6 valves.

KY Z28

iTrader: (1)

The Terminator heads start from an Edelbrock casting where as the LS6 heads are obviously a GM 243 casting that has been ported. I went with the LS6 heads and could not be happier. For the money, there is little difference between these heads and those that cost WAY more. The smaller runner heads may make more torque down low, but believe me, the LS6 heads arent exactly lacking! My car pulls hard from down low and I am on a stock 3.42 rear. Depends on the budget, but my money went to the LS6's and I wouldnt change it if I could.

speedracer5532

iTrader: (8)

Since you are keeping your 224/228 cam, I would go with the Terminator heads because they have a small intake runner which will work good with your current cam like the AFR 205 heads.

JRracing

iTrader: (35)

I say get the terminator heads and you will never second guess yourself!

mxmatt137

TSP offers the large variety of heads to suit all your needs. The 5.3L heads will raise your compression slightly. They flow very well and on a naturally aspirated setup will be very successful. On the other hand, the PRC LS6 heads flow equally well. These heads are a bit more money, but if you are planning to use nitrous or FI, these heads are a good buy. The stg. 2.5 5.3L head, in my opinion, is one of the best budget heads available. The titanium retainers, double springs, and large valves all come included into the low price.

STG 2.5 LS6 head: Good flow, FI or nitrous
STG 2.5 5.3L head: Good flow, non FI or nitrous
STG 3 LS6 head: Best flow, good for all setups, more expensive

01formula6

iTrader: (7)

Whats wrong with the Patriot LS6 heads? 230cc runners, dual springs, titanium retainers, milled to your specs and equal if not better price. I'm not biased either way, just giving you another option.

Dr. Jeckel

iTrader: (12)

AFR - $2182
Terminator - $1900
PRC 5.3l 2.5 - $1,199
PRC LS6 (w/ dual springs and valve job) - $1,299

This is the reason I am going to go with the 5.3l heads. The AFR's might give 5rwhp more, but for a grand more? I would rather spend that money elsewhere. Same thing with the terminators, $700 difference can get you some other goodies.
If I had a bigger cam I might go with the LS6 heads but have seen great numbers with the 5.3l heads on bigger cams, so that is my rationalizing.
If I had money to burn my thinking would change, like to a big 427 w/ a turbo but sadly that is not the case and I have a tight budget/wife

pianoprodigy

iTrader: (1)

Get the ones that sound cool...

But really, out of those, I would get the ones that flow the best with the smallest runner which I would guess would be the Stage 2.5 5.3s.

Mill them down and flycut to get optimal compression though as you'll have less PTV clearance from what I've read.

speedracer5532

iTrader: (8)

Because a friend of mine bought these and they only flowed 260 cfm.

thehammer69

iTrader: (2)

That extra cost you pay for AFR's isn't really about horsepower...it's the drivability and power under the curve they will give with their high velocity ports.

Hammer

itsok_ok

iTrader: (1)

"But really, out of those, I would get the ones that flow the best with the smallest runner which I would guess would be the Stage 2.5 5.3s."

dont the TERMINATOR heads flow the best, and have the smaller runner?...because i am also debating between the TERMIES & 5.3L stage 2.5

Sales4@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (4)

I would reccomend either the Terminator heads or the 2.5 5.3l heads. For a stock cubic inch motor either of these heads would be a great choice because of the runner size. If money is not an object I would go with the Terminators, the low to midrange power gains we have seen with these heads have been phenomenal. We have even noticed a huge difference in throttle response on the dyno.

I personally have the 2.5 5.3l Heads on my car and I am really happy with them. With the 220cc runner I picked up a noticeable amount of power underneath the curve as well as peak power. With my set up I made 460 rwhp and 400 rwtq, so the heads are definately performing well. IMO these heads are the best bang for your buck because you get 2.02"/1.57" valves, 220cc small runner, fully assembled with PRC dual valve springs for $1199.99.

to-fst-4u

iTrader: (35)

WOW nice numbers off of that combo. I have the exact same combo going in my car right now except the only differnce is that i have the FAST 90/90. I would be completely satisfied if I made what you have made off of this combo.

PREDATOR-Z

I believe you can also get 2.04/1.57 valves as well but the 2.02 would be my choice.
As mentionned with your size cam, the Edelbrock> 5.3L 2.5 (2.02 valves)> LS2 243s.

But if you ever wanna go bigger in cam, I suggest stepping right up to the 243s Stage 1 with race finish.
Run those with a .040 gasket and don't look back.