frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

Okay so I have read everything I can find about LS1 heads and am know trying to decide what to get... Was planning on going with Dart's new 205s but know am starting to reconsider... Still haven't seen any hp # gains from these (none published atleast).. Plans are to eventually go with a 6.0L iron block stroked to a 408 with all forged internals. Cam will probably be switched to a bigger more boost friendly cam. Give me some advise All input is welcome, currently running a reverse/split Thunder racing cam 230/224 .575/.561 111 LSA with Patroit Dual gold set up.. Want heads that will work good with this cam and also keep about the stock compression ratio or lower.
thanks
Dave

black01_WS6

iTrader: (13)

if you are going to a 408 the 205 would be too small in my opinion. you would benifit from 225 or going to a set of the lq9 truck heads.

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

Was thinking the same thing , but are the 225s to big for a stock bottom end Ls1?

J&J Speed Shop

iTrader: (8)

AFR 205 or 225's, for stock cubes sticking to the stock redline ~6100 I would say 205, but that also depends on how soon you plan on going with a stroker motor.

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

well I am well above the stock redline now, peak power is about 6750rpm, only shifted that way at the track, paying are already in work for the 408 got the block and am gradually putting it together, hope to have it ready it go within the next 12-16 months( don't want to charge to much at once)

The 225s wil give me power above the stock LS1 heads but exactly what will be the down fall or the advantages of the 225s over the 205s on the stock bottom end?

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

ET Performance heads seem to be the best so far. AFR is proven and a good choice. Dart and Edelbrock, well, we'll just have to wait and see.

408 needs a 225 minimum. ETP 225, 245 or 255 would work, especially if you are going to turn high RPM's on a 400+cid or put a blower on it. Don't worry about a 225 being too big for a stock cube engine. Remember, most ported aftermarket castings are 228+ cc. The difference is less low end torque with a bigger head vs a 205. The 225+ heads will flow better on a bench than a 205, but whether they make any more power on a 3.9" bore has yet to be seen. But on a 4+" bore at high rpms there is a difference.

Bottom line, go big now if you plan to upgrade down the road, and since money is of a concern, don't buy two sets of heads. Buy bigger and grow into them (you'll still see 35-40+rwhp no problem.)

Also, the ETP heads are stronger than stock (good for boost), and you can get them with whatever combustion chamber you want for whatever desired compression you want.

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

Jake:

thanks for the info. I appreciate somebody breaking it down for me in idoit proof logic..
thanks again

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

ttt...

J&J Speed Shop

iTrader: (8)

The only disadvantage to the 225 heads would be you have to turn the engine harder to make the same power as the AFR 205 heads. You will still make good power with the Mongoose 225 heads, because like someone mentioned ported LS1 heads are in the neighborhood of 220-230cc. However the AFR 205 heads are all about low lift velocity = torque and average power under the curve, not just peak power. If the 408 is definitely a good, then the 225 would be the only choice in the AFR line. ET Performance also looks like a great head, but I have no first hand experience with them

MagikMan

iTrader: (2)

check out cartek's stuff, they are amazing www.cartek.net

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

thanks for the info

Phil'sC5vette

iTrader: (4)

Buy mine

Transam275

iTrader: (-1)

hey, if i were u i wouldnt go with the 6.0l block b/c it weights 60lbs more than the aluminum ls1 which will make thge car front end heavy and outof balance i went with a big bore re-sleeve kit on the ls1 for my 422 stroker with stage III patriot ls6 heads a comp 224/230 .582/.591 all forged internals and it make a dyno pull of 542rwph all naturally aspirated....ya but the only bennefit of the lq9 block is its more durable but its not worth the extra 60lbs

J&J Speed Shop

iTrader: (8)

Some people would disagree. Yes it is heavier but for a max effort boost engine that would be my first choice. The 6.0L iron is also cheaper. The LS2 block is good also but it will cost you another $300, and big bore sleeve on a stock block will cost you a good amount considering the Dart sleeves are around $1200 + the machine work to install them right

Firehawk441

iTrader: (41)

The iron block weighs exactly 100 lbs more.

Order 66

I would go for the 205 head over the 225 like mentioned above. Its about across the board not peak. But the Darts are very appealing. Just dont knock yourself out on this. All "good" heads are oing to be with in 5-15hp of each other.

SLP 02 SS

I purchased a set of AFR 225s back in May 2005.
I sent them to Meaux Racing to have them Hand Finished.
I bought them 2nd hand, and the individual I purchased them from had
already sent them off to TEA. Well, we found that in the mid range there
was a dip in flow (which was corrected) and now we're in the Installation
phase of our Project. This set up is going on a 2002 Camaro SS with a
Stock bottem end LS-1. After we get it running and do the tuning I will
post my results. DYNO and Track #s.
These AFRs have had the Judson Porting done and were Milled .024 to bring
it back to 61cc. Also the valves were changed out to 2.05/1.60s.
We'll See.......

Phil'sC5vette

iTrader: (4)

if you had them milled to .024 your more at 62 CC
1 cc for every .006 or .007 ( depends on who you ask)

SLP 02 SS

I had Jason at Thunder Racing flow them.
He also checked the cc's for Compression Ratio.
It came out to 61cc
Either way, it's better than the standard 72cc

frisky2101

iTrader: (8)

all good info guys I appreciate it