cheap AND dependable heads
cheap AND dependable heads Can you really buy a good dependable set of heads for around $1000 that will make good hp? (30+)
It's a common question, but I am looking for some heads for my wife's cammed/bolt on C5, and don't think (from endless reading) that the unmodified 243s are worth it, and not willing to spend $1800-$2000 for a set of heads for what she uses the car for.
It's a common question, but I am looking for some heads for my wife's cammed/bolt on C5, and don't think (from endless reading) that the unmodified 243s are worth it, and not willing to spend $1800-$2000 for a set of heads for what she uses the car for.
that's pretty much the only way to get cheap ported heads I'm learning...I got some 799s cheap thinking I could just get them ported...I didn't realize what people charge for even a basic port job.
You can find ported heads for $100-200 LESS than port work on heads you own.
You can find ported heads for $100-200 LESS than port work on heads you own.
Trending Topics
I went through the same crap when I was deciding which heads to get. It's one of those cases where it all depends on how much Hp you plan on putting on the car. Preditor gave me some great advice, he said if you don't want over 500RWHP then just save the money and PP your 243's! I wanted around 450 RWHP so I sent my 243's off to get worked up by a company who did a great job. It wasn't cheap but for what I wanted $1000 bucks was well spent with them!
Last edited by ta-stanger; Sep 4, 2010 at 07:06 AM.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
PRC 243 or 5.3L heads will give you more than the HP you are looking for and cost around $1000-1100. They seem to have more R&D than the patriot heads.
I also don't think that the work to swap in stock 243s is worth it either. Usually only shows about 20-25rwhp
I also don't think that the work to swap in stock 243s is worth it either. Usually only shows about 20-25rwhp
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 4
used 243s go for $400,a 15 hp increase.a valve job and pocket porting will pick 10 more.go to TSP website,see what you can afford.TSP has a sale on prc heads right now.or check the used part section.
Last edited by garygnu; Sep 4, 2010 at 06:53 PM.
Tim the TSP/PRC 5.3L heads are worth 30-35rwhp all day for just a hair over $1K. I've installed a few sets this year and I must say I've been thoroughly impressed with the quality of their new stuff. They're running a $100 off special right now I believe where you can get the Stg 2.5's for around $1200 with their dual springs. Prob could save some more money and drop down to the PAC 1218 springs with that EPS cam and get it close to $1100.