cw79

i have a set of 853 casting heads and my engine builder said i would get good flow numbers if i just CNC them, but iv read that theres not that much gains to be had with doing that so idk if i should just do that or get a set of heads from like texas speed or some place. just a street motor with ms3 112 lsa, havent got the intake but probably going to be a fast intake& throttle body, stock bottom end and ill be running a t56b behind it. i have done research on it but havent read anywhere of someones experience doing it

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

From what I hear they do alright once ported and polished, but obviously other heads will work better with the same work

JOHNNY59

iTrader: (398)

don't waste your time or money on 853 heads! get some 243 heads and port and polish them.

cw79

Ok, ill probably go with some aftermarket heads then unless i find some 243's for cheap to port, he wants $950 to cnc any factory head i beileve , any particular heads that have worked good for anyone with street cars?l

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I run PRC stage 2.5 5.3 heads. Good budget head that makes some good power

garygnu

you can send your 853 heads to TSP for cnc porting .they can sink the valves deeper into the valve seats for more piston to valve clearance .they will install new springs and and valves for a great price .you mite gain a couple more hp with cnc ported 243 heads .whats you budget ?any ls head is great flowing at 15* valve angle .check out Texas Speed website for prices ,there mite be a christmas sale .

cw79

ya iv been roaming there site a little bit ill have to get some prices on doing that, but if its going to cost $1200 to do all that ill prolly just spend the extra cash to get a set of heads that i know will work out, as far as budget... iv lost all hope i spent way more than i thought i would have already so ill just go the best route even if i have to save a couple weeks ha

GiggleJuiced_SS

iTrader: (31)

what makes the 853 heads so bad?

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

All LS1 heads (806/853/241) have equal potential, though 241s are marginally better in stock form (makes no difference once ported). The 243s (LS6) are a popular upgrade choice, and better head. There are also heads with smaller combustion chambers that will offer a compression boost over the LS1 heads.

hutchman

Is there an advantage to a ported LS6 head over a ported LS1?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Yes, the 243/799 head has a better designed runner and chamber making it a better head in stock and ported form.

Other than that, an ls1 (806/853/241) head is an ls1 head. Regardless of stock or ported. Some say the 241 is a "better" head due to the casting method used, but I disagree. Any gains had from a stock 241 over say, an 853 will not be noticeable.

hutchman

Thanks!

MikeWS6

Once ported an ls1 head is an ls1 head. Most people step up to 243's, ported 5.3's or aftermarket.