Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Need help deciding on heads for F.I.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 23, 2012 | 02:27 PM
  #1  
00 Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth
Default Need help deciding on heads for F.I.

Im having trouble deciding what heads to go with. Spoke to a couple of shops and i feel i can't really go what they say cuz i feel like they are on the business side and trying to sell me AFR's which are great heads but i would like to know other options especially the slightly less expensive set. Just received my Huron Speed truck mani kit. Im planning to go with AES 390 block, LS6 intake manifold, custom grind cam. Want to know some alternatives of different heads out there to handle some boost. I was looking at the 6.0L heads from Patriots. Or should i get a set of used 317s and get work on them? If i go that route then i will take it to someone famous for their porting.
For goals it'll be maxing out the ON3 turbo the kit it came with then later upgrade turbo to reach my goal of 1000rwhp. But for now i'll be happy with 700-750 rwhp. LMK guy and i appreciate for taking the time to help.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2012 | 05:10 PM
  #2  
93camaro_zzz's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 3
From: San Diego, Ca.
Default

Companies like WCCH and some others will sell you a set of 317 heads that they have done their "porting" on for a pretty good price. That's the route I would go.
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2012 | 05:28 PM
  #3  
00 Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth
Default

ok thanks didn't even cross my mind bout those guys! Thanks. i'll look into them
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2012 | 03:24 AM
  #4  
00 Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth
Default

some heads I've considered: TFS 220's, PRC 317s, Patriot 6.0L's. Ive read the TFS 220 have thick decks and can handle more boost. But these would raise compression correct compared to the other heads mentioned?
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2012 | 09:28 AM
  #5  
rotary1307cc's Avatar
8 Second Club
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 123
Default

Richard at WCCH is awesome. /story
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 10:29 AM
  #6  
00 Freak's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Resident
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth
Default

nice they are priced pretty well and they are on that side of the country. Any opinions on the TFS220 heads for boost?
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 11:00 AM
  #7  
I8UR4RD's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,593
Likes: 2
From: Bama
Default

im doing the aes 390 too. i will be ordering the full longblock with everything needed...water pump aster bracket blower cam, and 237 prc heads 68cc
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 03:25 PM
  #8  
stevieturbo's Avatar
9 Second Club
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,616
Likes: 185
From: Norn Iron
Default

Originally Posted by rotary1307cc
Richard at WCCH is awesome. /story
I used to use a pair of his Edelbrock 215cc heads before I switched to TFS 225cc.

So many other things have changed as well....but the setup with those Edelbrock heads performed superbly. If I'd enough money I'd buy another set and switch back

Although I'd say all of them are excellent performers. Wouldnt be convinced that huge port volumes are the way to go to either.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 03:30 PM
  #9  
camarodude87's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 719
Likes: 9
From: FT HOOD, TX
Default

what about AI ported 243? srry to jack
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 11:02 PM
  #10  
tommyboy86's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Default

Considered LSA heads? they are built boost ready and far superior to ls3 821/3 castings
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 07:45 AM
  #11  
allout06's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,105
Likes: 1
From: Kokomo, In
Default

I wouldn't do a stock head and have them ported. You defy want an after market casting that has a thick head deck. Are u planning on doing 1/2" head studs and 6/stud per cylinder? Don't spend all that money on a nice engine and take a chance on ruining it with a set of shitty heads that may lift.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 10:22 AM
  #12  
Jefro6996's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Macomb, MI
Default

I'm in the same boat as you on figuring out what heads I want to run for my 408 boost motor I'm having built. I just talked to TEA the other day and you can get the TFS 220's in a 72cc chamber if you didnt want to up your compression. I think I might be going with these heads for a couple reason's. They're one of the only aftermarket castings you can get under 2k and you always have the option to have the 235cc cnc program run on them in future. I'd call the guys at TEA as the set of heads I priced out were with steel guides for stock rockers with a trunion upgrade and different springs, as the ones from TFS are only good to .600 lift.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 10:47 AM
  #13  
headed-ws6's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default

I wouldn't be worried about running a stock head plenty people have made 800+ to the ground with stock 317's with springs. If 700-750rwhp is all you want Id get some 317's and get them ported or buy some from a sponsor. Do LS9 head gaskets and Studs and you should have a very safe combo that will make the power you want.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 11:18 AM
  #14  
tommyboy86's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by headed-ws6
I wouldn't be worried about running a stock head plenty people have made 800+ to the ground with stock 317's with springs. If 700-750rwhp is all you want Id get some 317's and get them ported or buy some from a sponsor. Do LS9 head gaskets and Studs and you should have a very safe combo that will make the power you want.

Agreed.. its just lsa heads flow much better then 317 heads out of the box.. the alloy of the aluminum is so much harder it almost looks chrome.. and the change in the alloy also allows for a gereater amount of heat transfer. I believe the intake valve is titanium and the exhaust valve is filled.. The best part is they only run in the $1100 range new with valves and springs..if your cam is decent minded then how are you not saving money? people run 800+ whp on ls3 heads.. these are much stronger
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 11:27 AM
  #15  
headed-ws6's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default

Originally Posted by tommyboy86
Agreed.. its just lsa heads flow much better then 317 heads out of the box.. the alloy of the aluminum is so much harder it almost looks chrome.. and the change in the alloy also allows for a gereater amount of heat transfer. I believe the intake valve is titanium and the exhaust valve is filled.. The best part is they only run in the $1100 range new with valves and springs..if your cam is decent minded then how are you not saving money? people run 800+ whp on ls3 heads.. these are much stronger

I didn't see that he would have a 4+ inch bore. I would certainly run some lsa heads they are stronger and flow better and will not break the bank. As for valves I would run the ls3 hollow intake valves and the ly6 inconel exhaust valves. Best budget set up by far for valves. I do agree though lsa heads ftw
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 11:35 AM
  #16  
tommyboy86's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Default

If its an AES 390 It should have a stroke of 3.800 and bore of 4.030
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 11:38 AM
  #17  
87silverbullet's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,873
Likes: 8
From: Slidell,LA
Default

Originally Posted by tommyboy86
Agreed.. its just lsa heads flow much better then 317 heads out of the box.. the alloy of the aluminum is so much harder it almost looks chrome.. and the change in the alloy also allows for a gereater amount of heat transfer. I believe the intake valve is titanium and the exhaust valve is filled.. The best part is they only run in the $1100 range new with valves and springs..if your cam is decent minded then how are you not saving money? people run 800+ whp on ls3 heads.. these are much stronger
In going with the LSA or any rectangular port, the OP would have to change his intake. He has ls6 listed as his intake, so with the 1100 bucks add the intake and he would need to change the rockers which is more costs involved.

Originally Posted by headed-ws6
I didn't see that he would have a 4+ inch bore. I would certainly run some lsa heads they are stronger and flow better and will not break the bank. As for valves I would run the ls3 hollow intake valves and the ly6 inconel exhaust valves. Best budget set up by far for valves. I do agree though lsa heads ftw
The AES has a 4.030 bore.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/14191034-post4.html
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 11:56 AM
  #18  
WheelsUp84z's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 4
From: Concord, NC
Default

speed INC sells the TEA worked TFS 220 "turbo" heads for under $2k, pretty good option IMO, they are for 4"+ bore as well.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 12:33 PM
  #19  
milkplus's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Default

Personally, I'm going with 317s and figuring on saving money for a better turbo. If I can get to where I'm lifting the 317's I'll be more then happy on my budget.

Also on the LSA casting, you definitely want to get it ported. It has a wing in the bowl that might work at low RPM but looks like it'd be a restriction for an all out motor. I'm not sure they're "vastly superior" to the LS3 casting stock vs stock (the LS3 probably outflows the LSA), but if you plan on porting them anyway, the LSA casting would have advantages over the LS3 and uses the same porting profiles.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2012 | 12:36 PM
  #20  
WheelsUp84z's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 4
From: Concord, NC
Default

also, if you go with the ls3/l92 or lsa heads you'll have to run a matching intake/injectors made for them.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:37 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE