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Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

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Old Dec 19, 2002 | 06:13 PM
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Default Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

I know for a long time that ls1's had a big problem with the heads lifting under boost. I am very interested in the ls1motorsports single turbo. I see they are running 7-9lbs of boost. Any problems with the heads? Can the ls1 safely take more boost? Is this problem fixed? I ask because I haven't heard about it in awhile, and a couple of years ago it used to be a common discussion with the f/i guys.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 11:35 AM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

I think stock head bolts and gaskets were the problem, most of us have switched to cometic mls gaskets and arp head studs and it stays down fine. i run 10psi and others run more, were doing alright.

also i think it was a tuning issue also, as they didnt have the equipment to tune.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 11:58 AM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

the 'safe' boost numbers are definitely creeping up since the headbolts/tuning advances, but i think in general there is some design aspect about the factory ls1 head that leaves more to be desired.. basically need more head bolts, bigger bolts or stronger head design.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 03:31 PM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

So what would the max safe boost level be with cosmetic gaskets and head studs?
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 07:05 PM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

an easy answer is there isn't one.. heads or cam? stroked? bored? etc. etc. is involved before even making a guess at max boost level
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by MIGHTYMOUSE:
<strong>an easy answer is there isn't one.. heads or cam? stroked? bored? etc. etc. is involved before even making a guess at max boost level</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I guess I should have asked what a safe power level is before head lifting becomes an issue. I was thinking about a JPR 382 all bore. Or if I build up one myself, then a 408. But, heck, if a forged 346 w/ the turbo will cause me to max out at the safe level, then I may as well save some money. No sense in going overkill on an engine if I can't use all the potential power. If you can see my point.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 12:49 AM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

From what I understand, the heads can still warp under lots of boost, unless you do what some of the guys mentioned above... and maybe o-ringing.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 12:51 AM
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Default Re: Do LS1's still have head lifting problems under boost?

Also, it's not just boost related... it also has to do with the power levels.
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