orange_z28

iTrader: (1)

So i've decided to start putting together engine parts for my 02 camaro. I would like to purchase a set of 243/799 heads and send them for porting. Out of all the better known vendors there is alot of difference in the flow numbers that i don't understand. I'm looking at flows at .600 because most of the cams i'm choosing from are around that. Here is what i'm looking at.
all prices include .660 springs and titanium retainers
intake/exhaust
TEA 320/260 for 1552.00
AI 305/271 for 1300.00
TMS on ebay has the complete 243 heads for 1200.00 but only flows 306/194
PRC 2.5 at texas speed 316/226 for 1650.00, but what catches my eyes is until the 31st you can get a FREE CAM AND PUSHRODS

Engine will be a 408 seeing a 200 shot. mainly street driven. car currently has 1 7/8 dougs headers. kooks catless wye. lm1. 373 gear. t56. slp lid. fast toys ram air

Any advice or suggestions would be helpful. I'm really leaning toward the texas speed package

Tuskyz28

Great thread!! I already like it..my advice is just don't look at the peak number at 600 lift. Your motor will actually only spend a split second of time right there. The numbers you really want to compare is 200,300,400 and 500. Also pay attention to the exhaust numbers and remember all flow benches are NOT the same just like dynos.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

One thing I like to do is divide the flow by the port volume. So for example if two different heads will flow 320, but one is a 230cc runner Snd the other is a 215, the 215 is the better choice. The more efficient port will have better air velocity and generally make more power under the curve.

Tuskyz28

Also explore more options... Frankenstein, livernois, and a couple more out there that offer cnc programs.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

That PRC combo would be hard to beat for the current price. Cam and Pushrods are normally 450-500.00 alone. This is the setup I would choose.

Stage 2.5 (2.02"/1.57" Stainless Steel Valves)
• LS6/LS2 (243/799)
• TSP .660" Dual Valvespring Kit Featuring PAC Springs w/ Titanium Retainers
• Texas Speed 228R Camshaft: 228/228, .600"/.600", 110, 112 or 114 LSA
• 112 LSA
• 7.350"
• Rollmaster LS1/LS2 Single Roller Timing Set - 1X Cam Gear (p.n. 11-CS1180)
• Texas Speed Ported LS6 Oil Pump (p.n. 25-TSPLS6PortedPump)

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

AI heads put the power down at the track and on the dyno.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

The TSP deal sounds really good IMO

Tuskyz28

So does the TEA heads as well.

North*power

iTrader: (1)

Like Tusky said all flow benches are not the same. Also if you look at each Porter's numbers they were tested on different size bores with different size and length pipes. This can make a dramatic effect on the numbers. I'm only familiar with the TEA (Brian Tooley's CNC program) and Advanced Induction. Both have documented stock CI builds that make darn close to 500rwhp on here. I was very close to getting my old set done at AI with oversized turned down LS3 valves for my LS6 until I went 416.

TXZ28LS1

iTrader: (5)

Livernois or WCCH.... 2 companies that always get slept on...smh..

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

Agreed!

The bottom line is there are many good options these days. I would make my decision off of customer service. AI can be hard to get a hold of. TSP and TEA always seem to be a phone call away. Frankenstein has a good rep too. Livernois leaves a bit to be desired far as customer service goes from what I have read as of late. WCCH seems to be pretty good too although you do not hear much about them around here lately. Tony Mamo also produces some solid options, while not cheap, regularly churns out 460-490whp setups on 346's with a 227 range cam. His customer service seems is good too and he is fairly active here. Like I said so many options.

Tuskyz28

Wcch in my eye is overpriced. If you not careful you'll end up with 2 grand in a factory casting. Anytime you spend over 1500 bucks in factory casting you should really consider stepping up to a as cast tfs 220 head.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

I like how you think! I was all set to go with TFS 220's until I scored a set of fresh TEA LS6 heads complete with PAC duals for 1450.00. Had I not found this deal then that is the exact route I would of went. That is what makes this TSP sale such a solid option right now. Free cam and pushrods really makes it hard not to consider having them do the 2.5 program on a set of 799/243's.

Tuskyz28

Thanks some cnc programs struggle to crank over 410 rwhp...on the other hand the 220 tfs head makes 450 rwhp cake with the correct cam.

King23

iTrader: (4)

I normally don't post a lot and I'm not taking away from any other sponsors but in my opinion the prc is a good deal at the moment, but I must say if you want aftermarket casting and want the best I would get ahold of Tony Mamo@mamomotor sports he has top notch products I have a set of his 235 NFI heads going on my procharged 408 and there a art piece, not to mention I have called, text, and emailed him all hours of the night and day and he always answers replys or gets right back to me. He worked with me on everything and spec. my cam for me I would give him a call too.

Tuskyz28

Op, a good rule of thumb that you should really consider is this....
1500 bucks max- cnc program by someone you was considering.
1500- 2000 max- go with tfs 220 as cast. I've seen them hurt feelings on the track and the street both. Hard to argue with a head that can put down 450 horse at the tire THREW A STALLED AUTOMATIC with a cam less than 230 duration on the stock bottom end ls1. Seen it over, over and over again. Alot of 10 second cars are running these heads. Also PRC have a as cast 225 head that looks good but have yet to be proven on the track.

2000 bucks and over go ahead and spend 400 more dollars on some cnc tfs/afr heads.

orange_z28

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input. I wrote this post last night and just this morning came across a set of 232cc AI 799 heads for 1500 bucks and they were only one hour away. I went ahead and purchased them because I didn't have the cores yet. They came with the .660 springs and titanium retainers. They are brand new. now time to do my short block

juniorssrollin

iTrader: (1)

Also look up Lloyd Elliott port works. He did my 243s for a great price and they looked amazing.

kinglt-1

iTrader: (26)

Good deal!