man2004

iTrader: (1)

I am planning to add a cam and heads to a NA automatic LS1. My goal is 350-400RWHP. I am looking at the TSP 228R cam and several heads. But, I would like to stay on a budget. The options for heads would include keeping the 241s and upgrading the springs (cam package with springs), used assembled 243s, PRC stage 1, PRC 5.3s, PRC stage 2.5, PRC 237s. The sky is the limit on heads. So, I wanted to get input before shelling out $$$ for potted heads. I am considering buying used assembled 243s ($400ish) and the cam ($360ish). But, I noticed the 5.3s along with the cam are $1700 assembled with upgraded springs. I am favoring the cam and used 243s (unported) mainly because of price. Hopefully, I would not need upgraded springs which would cut into the savings. I am not familiar with the 5.3s. Are they the right fit for this application (naturally aspirated)? How would they flow in comparison to the unported 243s and stock 241s? Any suggestions with the budget in mind? It just seams like you can always spend more money on better heads (AFRs, etc). But, I am not out to break any records. I just want to wake the LS1 up a little. Thank you in advance!

misterscary

Read my thread above dont waste money trust me on this. Ive spent the time.

garygnu

get the best head you can afford.the PRC heads are good head for the money.I feel the 5.3 2.5 head is a good deal with big valves and good springs.it is a good street/strip head not too big at 220cc.a stock 243 head flows about 248 cfm at .600. a stock 243 head will net you 15 rwhp over 241s.what size stall do you have?

oddwraith

iTrader: (1)

Hey, just because perhaps you a few fellas you know didn't tune their vehicles properly doesn't make selecting a cam and heads a waste of time. Tuning should always be part of the equation, and a well tuned h/c/i ls1 with bolt-ons is far and away from the stock combo with bolt-ons. Just sayin' imo.

Your goals seem rather vague (350-400rwhp) but I'm sure you'll get what you are looking for if you plan well (ls1tech is a good resource). You could definitely go with a cam only setup for such modest goals, but I'm sure you know that. If it were me I'd do the 243s at least if I was going to have my heads off anyways (will you be doing lifters/pushrods etc?). For that price you couldn't afford not to imo. The 5.3s are very popular. I'll let someone with some real heads/cam experience chime in. It's a real popular question, and it wouldn't take many searches to get a feel for what people are using, what's working, and what is new. Good luck.

Roachjr

iTrader: (2)

I bought a cam package from thunder racing, 230/224 111lsa, plus springs and rods. Car made 394 hp and 404 tq on dyno after being tuned. Only other thing done to the car is long tubes. It think the package deal was like $599.

man2004

iTrader: (1)

I plan to use a Yank SS 3200 stall and the true goal is closer to 400 RWHP with good drivability (daily driver). I decided to pull the trigger on the stock (unported) assembled 243's (eBay $430). They have Vette valves and springs. Should I replace the springs? I could get a cam package with the TSP 228R that includes fresh springs and hardened pushrods. The TSP cam package that includes the PRC double springs is $700, while the package with the Comp Cams single beehive springs is $600. Are the double springs worth the extra $100 with this set-up? Do I also need new lifters? Things are starting to add up (430+700=$1130). Is the TSP 228R cam a good match for the stock (unported) 243's? All of the other supporting mods are in place (LID, MAF, ported TB, LS6 intake, 1 3/4" Kooks headers, Off road Y-pipe, Flowmaster, and of course a DYNO TUNE after the installation).

man2004

iTrader: (1)

FYI: These are the heads that I found on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...SA:MOTORS:1123

garygnu

you only need the double springs for the radical cams.shop around to find the best tuner in your area.

jsafe

iTrader: (6)

I have been very happy with my PRC 5.3 heads and their 233/239 cam good bang for your $ imo... L92 stuff if your a bigger bore is the $ saver stuff

flintwrench69

iTrader: (11)

Yea, listen to this guy & he'll have you thinkin all you need is a tune.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls1-o...ste-money.html

I would, any cam with much more than .570 lift the stock yellow beehives are not enough. I would have them heads cleaned & checked before I installed them, especially without knowing the miles. Theyre pretty dirty, you would hate to have to pull them back off because of a worn valve guide or a poorly seating valve.
This is the package I bought(TSP), you dont need the dual springs but I have read several horror stories about some behives breaking & dropping valves in cylinders the extra spring gives a little insurance.

If youre gonna upgrade the heads I would & replace the lifters with LS7 lifters & the lifter trays too. You'll need 4 trays & theyre cheap. GM MLS head gaskets & ARP head bolts too.
You should be at around 380 whp with the 228 cam, & around 400whp with untouched 243s. Ported heads another 20-25 hp. You will need gaskets & seals for the front cover, & I recommend a new oil pump & LS2 timing chain. The LS2 chain is a lil thicker than the stock one.

93SlowBird

Cam only will reach your power goals. If your going to buy heads, save and get some decent ones. Patriot and Absolute Speed have assembled heads for around 1000 or you can get them used for cheaper.