Ok so I got a deal on a 5.3 short block to get started on my turbo build. My question is I have the 241 heads of the ls1 I could use, I know it'll drop compression down though. From what I've been able to find it would be around 9.0:1 with the 241? Which wouldn't be bad for pump gas but I'll be going e85 so I'd like a bit more compression. Should I spend 400 bucks on a set of 799/243 heads or another casting or use the 241 and mill them down a bit to bump compression back up? But being I'll probably be getting a custom cam in the 231-234 duration would I be able to mill them down enough to get compression back up without running into ptv issues? sorry guys I'm new to forced induction and just looking to get pointed in the right direction on this. Goals is going to be around 700-750 to the tires.

 

Keeping in mind this is somewhat a "budget" type of build. If there is such a thing when it comes to going turbo! Lol

 

Before you go asking about heads, can you give us an idea of what turbo you plan on using, what your HP goals are, and the rest of your setup? Is this going in your F body?

 

probably gonna be using a turbonetics 7875 .96ar and the hurron speed kit,twin bosch 044's and fic 1000cc injectors on e85 for fueling,holley hi ram,custom cam,stock bottom 5.3 with head studs and arp rod bolts etc... through a th400. sending back my stall to fti for a restall down to 34-3600 probably. goal of 700 but hoping for more at the tires. yes going in my fbody.

 

Affordable 799 heads, 60cc, you'll likely need heavier valve springs. https://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-...center/sd8926c

 

If that price was for the pair I'd jump on it. Not looking to spend over a grand on heads.

 

That was the cheapest I found searching for a new pair to replace Castech heads. If you know how to wield up aluminum without screwing everything up, I'd sell you the Castech pair really cheap.

I went with a complete new Thompson Motorsports engine. You might give them a call and see what they can do for heads.

 

I just finished my turbo build. Waiting on getting the cold side back the middle of this week from being welded..

Mine was a budget build as well, looks even more so than what your planning on. From my understandings, with these 5.3s you want a bit more compression to help it get to where it would spool. The difference that a set of factory 5.3 862s and a good set of 317/243 heads can be made in turning up the boost about by a pound or so. If all I had was 241s laying around, I would use them and not think twice about it.

 

thats what im thinking. i dont really see the 241's killing my goal or making it a dog, just kinda curious if should mill them a bit to bump up the cr. but im not opposed to spending a few hundred bucks on a different set of stockers if it would be beneficial to do so. and i may end up going with a milder cam, not sure yet.

 

If the surfaces are flat, you could use a thinner head gasket to raise compression a little.