dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Thanks in advance, first of all.

I'm 2 parts shy of installing my cam

1) Springs- Just need to decide between Lunati Duals or Brian Tooley's with Chormoly Retainers (I need 155# on the seat)

2) and also measure for PR length, then order from Ed @ FTI


What I have for the heads / cam swap:

2010 243 Heads (Currently have stock 241's on car now)
One of the 2 afformentioned Spring Kits, shimmed to within .050 of CB
Push rods will be from Ed Curtis, 5/16 x .133 wall. (FTI)
Comp Cams Trunion Upgarded Stock Rockers. (ColoradoSpeed)
LS2 Trays (TSP)
LS7 Lifters (TSP)
LS2 Chain with Billet Gears (Yank)
TSP Ported Oil Pump (TSP)
Fel Pro head bolts (Will upgrade to studs when head porting is done)

Cam is from Ed Curtis: 229/236 .631.631 112+2 with ICL of 110

All required gaskets, other than head gaskets. I'm torn between the GM MLS #12498544 or the Fel Pro 9284PT. I'm not spending the money on .040 Cometics until the portwork is done to the heads.

I'd like a tight quench, but I'm not doing anythoing to the heads other than a clean up mill, or possibly mill to 62cc since they'll be on the machine anyways. I want to leave some room for the work AI or Ed (Haven't decided yet) does to the heads.

I plan to flycut now and just get it over with; Probably .080 on the intake and .100 on the exhaust.

Please give me your thoughts on a head gasket. They are both about the same price, with the GM's being 44.90 shipped from Summit, or me getting the Fel Pros from Advance for 31.11 picked up.

Also, any other thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated.

Car will be tuned by Geoff @ EPS

BO4THSS

im no professional, but both fel pro and gm head gaskets are oem replacements.... what would be any different in between the two? i used fel pro when i did my cam install, also used 243 heads and have not had any issues.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I don't think you'll go wrong either way,but I'd probably go get the Fel-Pros locally and if you don't like something about them it'll be easy to just take them back, plus with that money you saved not ordering the GM MLS gaskets can go towards some steaks to throw on the grill!

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

I'm all about steaks and beer, brother.

Any thoughts on the set-up or anything to add / do differently from anyone?

I guess I've come to the conclusion I'm not going to get the quench i want this time around, but hopefully can get at least 11:1 compression with the milling. Still waiting on an email back from Ed to see how much compression I can get with 93 and be safe. It's my understanding DCR has more to do with that though....

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

The FPs are graphite, the GMs should be MLS.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Well ****.

After doing a bunch of searching on here it was pretty conflicting. Some said they were MLS, while others said graphite. I guess that made my decision a bit easier then.

I really wanted to run the Fel Pro 1041's, but I'd be at the same $$$ as Cometics, and they are for a 4.1 bore, so I don't think it's very feasible.

I guess tight quench will have to wait till I get the heads ported

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

Couple of comments:

1. I would measure PTV then decide on fly cutting. That cam doesn't have that much duration and it may not require fly cutting.

2. I would personally go with Terry Manton's 11/32" OD pushrods. They are much stiffer than 5/16" pushrods.

3. I have seen several Fel Pro gasket leaks and would personally prefer the GM gaskets.

Good luck with the mods.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

1) I thought about it for a while, and figured if I was already in there, just do it. I guess I'm just being lazy and not measuring. I plan to take the heads to 59 or 58 by next year. Trying to be a step ahead I guess.

2) I thought long and hard about that, and spoke with Ed about it. We're not opposed to it, but he brought up the .133 walled PR's and thought they would suffice. Mantons are on my "long list" though. Definitely.

3) I read a few of those too. Something about having to heat cycle 3 times and retorqueing.... It's not jiving to me either.

GM's it is, then.

Well guys, do you think I've missed anything? Only things I'm on the fence about right now are an oil pan gasket or Katech rod bolts.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

FelPro does make an MLS gasket....and by looking at the price they are proud of it.

Plan on drag racing? Have you considered one of the improved baffles to go in the pan, very useful during hard accelerations.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Yeah, get the GM MLS. I also read multiple websites(Jegs, Summit) that the Felpro pt# you listed was a MLS gasket also.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Indeed they are. I very well may just go ahead and drop the coin on the Cometic .040's. It could be up to a year before I CNC the heads or pick up some TFS 215's.

Interested in the improved baffles you speak of, red. You have them? Where did you get them? I don't race now, but may in the near future. I do alot of spirited runs on the interstates though.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I can only wish I woulda installed one during any one of the multiple times I've had my oil pan off. I can't recall who makes it (you'll have to search), but if my pan ever comes off again I'll be installing one. Fact is these engines starve for oil during extreme acceleration, even noticeable while looking at the stock oil psi gauge.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

I'm guessing it's the one made my Improved Racing. Not bad at 199, and cheap insurance. Something to consider, for sure.

If I do go with the Cometics- Copper spray, yey or nay?

chrisfrost

iTrader: (8)

+1 for measuring before flycutting . Have You thought about taking the block deck down a little to achieve You're desired quench ?

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Absolutely. But I'm not pulling the motor yet. When I go 383 with this block, or 402 with a LS2 I plan to get all that ironed out at once.

I'm starting to get the feeling I'm just trying to do too much for simple head and can swap. But that's me; Always over thinking ****. Analysis paralysis.