OK, looking for some opinions. Let's say I have about 400$ to spend. Currently have a stock stock shortblock, stock 2000 cam and stock 241 heads. Going to be getting a TTi T76 street kit pretty soon.

Do you guys think I would gain more power by getting a custom turbo cam ground for me and using the stock 241 heads (with 10:1 compression), or using my stock 2000 cam and getting a set of stock 6.0 heads (for about 9.5:1 compression)?

 

Can you get 6.0 heads for 400? Your talking used i take it. Id want to get em gone through and checked out at the least on some used heads and thats more $.

 

Ya, used heads. I would give them a good inspection, but I really did not see a reason to have them professionally checked out. If they were used on a stock engine they should be OK I would think. I have had other used heads with no issues.

 

With lower comp with the 6.0L heads, you'll be able to run more boost and/or timing safely without the motor grenading. A stock cam seems to work pretty well, and I'm not sure with lower boost #'s, if a $400 cam is going to make a HUGE difference like a set of good heads.

 

Id get the heads.

 

While we are on the subject, do you guys with 6.0 heads use the 5.7 head gaskets or the 6.0 head gaskets?

 

definatly get the heads first

 

6.0 head gaskets

I'd say go w/ the heads mostly b/c you're not going to want to spin a stock short block high enough to warrant going w/ a big cam at this point. But for $400 you can pickup a set of 317 heads AND an 02+ Z06 cam if you keep your eyes peeled. Eventually you'll probably want to go to a forged bottom end, and that's when I'd start looking at custom cams for your application.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think I will try to find a set of heads, maybe a Z06 cam (they seem to be harder to come by these days).

 

Turbo cam...

 

Swapping the cam is much easier than the heads.

If you decide to do the heads it would be a crime not to spring for a cam and a set of new Comp 918 springs at the same time.

If I were you I'd drop the whole K-member motor combo so you can do the work and install the bulk of the turbo kit together.

I'm having a hell of a time installing this Incon kit (which is supposed to be one of the easy kits right? ), but it's moving along. If I'd have known what I know now I'd have dropped the motor twice before I tried to do it the hard way (motor in place.) ~Joshua

 

I agree swapping cams is easier than heads. But, the car will be partially dismanteld anyway to put the turbo kit on. Plus, I have done a head swap before so I know what to expect. I am mainly intersted in what will give me the best benefit or bang for the buck. Seems the heads will allow more boost/timing and have slightly better flow (more power for same amount of boost).

 

I would do the cam and springs, but that will cost more than $400 for both.

 

Hmmm, getting opinions both ways here.

Valvesprings are not needed, already have them from my cam-only setup. Going to check spring pressure, but they should be fine (only have 2400 miles on them).

Does anyone have any power numbers on what a turbo cam would get me with an otherwise stock engine?

 

your gonna want to get new head gaskets and head studs, that'll cost as much as the heads.... lol @ $400

 

New GM gaskets are only $35 for a pair, and already have ARP hardware.

 

You will net more of a gain from a cam than dropping your compression 1/2 a point.

 

MM ran 9s with his 6spd on a stock cam...

I'd take the heads and make up the power difference in boost... they definitely flow better than the stock ls1 pieces. ...and you can a bit more timing as well.

 

in your sig you went as far as to list freakin egr delete but didnt mention arp bolts, give some description of all mods or no mods, for all we know you could allready have a forged motor and somebody might chime in, then... woops forgot to mention that...

 

OK, good point. Bear in mind I am coming from a n/a cam and nitrous setup.

Engine is stock 2000 shortblock
very mild ported 241 heads (basically just removed the intake bolt hump)
arp bolts
GM mls gaskets
ported oil pump
ported LS6 intake
ported TB

the rest of the mods will be coming off.