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LS6 243 head prep questions

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Old 03-10-2009, 04:54 PM
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Default LS6 243 head prep questions

I just got a pair of 243's to go on my 98Z. I dont know how many miles have been put on them but i was just wondering what prep i should do before i put them on the engine?
i will be swapping over the PRC xtreme gold springs and seals over(i only put about 5,000 miles on them) and i want to do a little porting also
i just need some advice as to what to do
Old 03-10-2009, 06:35 PM
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Check the mating surface for low spots with a straight edge. Check the over and over for cracks. As for the porting work.....take your time! What casting number head are you taking off? I guess on a 98 they are not 241s.
Old 03-10-2009, 06:40 PM
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^^^806 or 853's most likely (perimeter bolt heads for sure)

Pull them apart, have them hot tanked & pressure checked inexpensive insurance. If porting have them pressure checked again before assembly just to be sure. If any low spots are found have them milled til flush and CC the chambers to be aware of your clearances.
Old 03-10-2009, 07:43 PM
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thats some good advised... thanks
how do you cc the chambers? would you just get something to measure how much water fills the chamber?
Old 03-10-2009, 08:52 PM
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find a shop with a flow bench, and make sure to get measurements on combustion chamber and intake/exhaust runners. no point in doing it if you aren't going to do it right.
Old 03-10-2009, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by importkiller_SS
I just got a pair of 243's to go on my 98Z. I dont know how many miles have been put on them but i was just wondering what prep i should do before i put them on the engine?
i will be swapping over the PRC xtreme gold springs and seals over(i only put about 5,000 miles on them) and i want to do a little porting also
i just need some advice as to what to do
1. Don't port them. More folks screw up the 243's than help them.

2. Have the CORRECT valve job done on them and have the correct aftermarket valves installed.

3. Rethink your valvespring choice.

4. I have seen the results if 1-3 above are done correctly. Tons of bang for the buck.

5. If you want even more, get the right cam.

6. Choosing the correct source is the big problem. It ain't me, Babe..but I did stay in a Holiday InnExpress recently. Had a great talk about just this subject.
Old 03-10-2009, 09:26 PM
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use the newer model mls gaskets for your heads and not the graphite ones.
Old 03-10-2009, 09:56 PM
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this advice will help me a lot... thanks guys
but as Old Sstroker mentioned if i go with the right valve job and correct aftermarket valves.
wat aftermarket valves should i go with? should i got with bigger valves or just better stock size valves which i think are 2.00 1.55
Old 03-11-2009, 04:28 AM
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IMO,

Stay with the LS6 valves if they are in good condition.
They are probably the lightest valves you'll find..........

Read here:-

http://www.idavette.net/hib/02ls6/page2.htm

You'll need to re-size your push-rods.
Old 03-11-2009, 06:07 AM
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you think i'll need to get a little long push-rod such as a 7.425" possibly?
Old 03-11-2009, 06:42 AM
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Originally Posted by importkiller_SS
you think i'll need to get a little long push-rod such as a 7.425" possibly?
Depends on a few things.
The base circle of the cam in the block, or if the head has been milled previously.
Best to check carefully for rocker sweep when you have it all together as you can't take anything for granted.
I'd say the base circle of your cam is about similar to normal aftermarket stuff at 19.0mm (0.7mm different to a stock LS1 cam) the LS6 valve stems are 0.6mm longer than other Gen 3 valves, so you may get away with stock length @ 7.400" but you'll feel better with a check on the sweep.
Old 03-11-2009, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Sid447
IMO,

Stay with the LS6 valves if they are in good condition.
They are probably the lightest valves you'll find..........

Read here:-

http://www.idavette.net/hib/02ls6/page2.htm

You'll need to re-size your push-rods.

Just because they are 243 heads does not mean they have the lighter valves. The only 243 heads with a lighter, sodium filled exhaust valve, are the 2002 - 2004 Z04 heads.

243 heads that came on the 01 Z06, GTOs, and LS2 engines all have regular valves.
Old 03-11-2009, 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Sigforty
Just because they are 243 heads does not mean they have the lighter valves. The only 243 heads with a lighter, sodium filled exhaust valve, are the 2002 - 2004 Z04 heads.

243 heads that came on the 01 Z06, GTOs, and LS2 engines all have regular valves.
'05 & '06 GTO's were fitted with the LS2 only,

CTS-V's were fitted with the RPO LS6 engine.

The link supplies the basic information. If there's any doubt most individuals can reason for themselves.
Old 03-11-2009, 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by importkiller_SS
this advice will help me a lot... thanks guys
but as Old Sstroker mentioned if i go with the right valve job and correct aftermarket valves.
wat aftermarket valves should i go with? should i got with bigger valves or just better stock size valves which i think are 2.00 1.55


i would leave the valve choice up to the QUALITY head porter that does the valve job. give him your goals and let him set you up with a combo to get you there. just my opinion
Old 03-11-2009, 07:51 AM
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is there a way i can find out what year my heads are due to find out what valves it may possibly have?
Old 03-11-2009, 08:21 AM
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not sure if there is a # you could trace but i'm sure you could weigh a valve. that would tell you if they are the hollow stems or not.
Old 03-11-2009, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Sigforty
Just because they are 243 heads does not mean they have the lighter valves. The only 243 heads with a lighter, sodium filled exhaust valve, are the 2002 - 2004 Z04 heads.

243 heads that came on the 01 Z06, GTOs, and LS2 engines all have regular valves.
and there was a big difference.

Light wt valves ( Ti intake and Sodium filled exhaust ) and the proper springs, not big heavy too strong springs, with keeping your cam lift under .600 for OVER 6000 rpms use and valve train longevity.
Old 03-11-2009, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Sid447
'05 & '06 GTO's were fitted with the LS2 only,

CTS-V's were fitted with the RPO LS6 engine.

The link supplies the basic information. If there's any doubt most individuals can reason for themselves.
ls2s came with the ls6 style heads. different numbers but same casting.
Old 03-11-2009, 10:31 AM
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of course, why didnt i think of just weighing the valves?... thanks you all for your help



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