Best budget head for boosted 408?
 

I know everyone runs the 317 castings but I am in the process of trying to get everything together so I can start building my engine. I am new to forced induction so I don't know much but I have been thinking about either going with the 317 heads, ls6 heads, or maybe even the l92 heads. The motor is going to be 9.5.1cr with a f1a blower running somewhere in teh 14 to 16lbs of boost range and hoping for 750 to 850 power. I know a thicker deck is my friend with boost but I don't want to spend 2500k plus on heads right now. Thanks for any help and tips you guys might have.

1650.00 will get you as cast TF heads. They flow over 300 @ .600 as cast. those are the best for the money.

I run Dart 225's ported to the max with my 408

WCCH 317's here

afr225's here

Since you were asking for a good inexpensive head, take a look at the Patriot LQ9 Stage 3 heads. $1,285.00 and they do the job quite nicely for what you pay for. Check out this build where we reused the Patriot Stage 2 heads from the customer's old 346 on his new LS2/402. http://www.exoticperformanceplus.com...Car.php?car=40 Bob

I posted the same reply in another thread:

I am going to see how Dart 225s do with my turbo 408 project

My Old heads were 317 casting Patriot heads.... they were $1000.. had them gone thru when the 370 was last rebuilt......
Made 1100rwhp that way with an S88.......

I dont see a problem with 750-800

Jesues what head studs did you use. I have the same heads but mine where just out the box nothing done to them. I would love to see another 60 hp out my combo but im afraid to push water did u have a issue with that? Pm me :hijack:

Out the Box ARP Head studs.

I could run all day at 20 psi and nothing.... on good fuel of course.

When we went beyound that i would start to push water.

At 22+ i would start to push a lil water even on the dyno.

The 1132rwhp pull we had dripping from the back of the heads some...

Shawn @ VA Speed is doing a few things to the new heads and motor.
Ill be sure to post up when its done.

Kyle

Out of the box L92 heads. We saw 24psi for a split second this past weekend (22 most of the run). Its got the L19 ARP studs on it. It went nearly 130mph in the 1/8th. Once I get more timing put in it at the bottom it'll go alot quicker (and faster too). Not even 1 single drop of water in the overflow.

When it pushes that water, do you let it cool down and all is good? Do you re-torque or have to change the gaskets at that point? I know the SBF's would push water, and then seal themselves back up, does the LS 4bolts do the same?

I'm new to this one as well... good question...

Hard to go wrong with the L92 heads. Flow great out of the box and are pretty cheap to boot.

If you can get aftermarket casting for 1650 that flow really really good its a no brainer to me. Go Trick Flow. If your gonna swap heads there is no reason anymore to put on factory castings even if you are on a budget.

out of the box l92 heads with upgrades springs...saw 615rwhp on 5psi on my 402...not too bad for a set of heads that cost me $800.

Jeez man, only $800 for a complete set and pulling that kind of rwhp @ only 5psi? My #317's flow 321CFM @ .600, so I should be in for a real treat! I don't plan to boost past 20psi either, so I should be okay with pushing water, we'll see!