SlwBirdy

Maybe a stupid question. Why dont more people do head swaps? Seems like a sotck casting ported head would be easier and less expensive. I know little about internal engine mods like this, so im trying to learn.

Can a mod move to newbie tech. Sorry

00MaroonZ28

iTrader: (3)

Cam swaps are fairly easy and cheap and give you a significant power gain. Heads are more expensive and are done with an aftermarket cam. The cam is like the brain of the engine controlling the airflow into the cylinder by opening and closing the valves. A ported cylinder head will just increase the effects of the cam swap by increasing the airflow that enter the cylinder when the valves open.

95 Z28

iTrader: (21)

Cams are:
- Usually cheaper
- Yield better gains
- Make your car sound bad ***

Plus, stock LS1 heads flow pretty damn good for what they are IMO. I made 395 corrected (it was 404 uncorrected) with a pretty mild 232/234 112, budget bolt ons, shitty 806 heads.

magius231

iTrader: (8)

that's the key one right there. I would guess a good 80% of the people on this board that do a cam swap do it for that reason right there, thus the trend towards cams that are way too large for the engine they are going in.

crainholio

iTrader: (2)

You're right.

djfargot

iTrader: (2)

because....

a head swap is another $1300 for budget heads PLUS head gaskets, ARP bolts (why not if you are already spending thousands), the labor to install if you arent doing yourself. for good heads, expect to pay $2000 or more.

considering you can get any cam/kit plus install (if you choose to not do it yourself) and tune for around $1500, people that dont have enough to blow $3000 or more choose to go cam only.

no one wants to stick with stock heads (except a few crazies...) but different people are at different points in their financial lives which leads to cam onlys....

SlwBirdy

I think 3000 Would be way high on the spectrum. I think the heads we would consider would be a fair amount cheaper. For people going cam only obviously money is an issue or they would go H/C. I dont really want the sound of a cam yet. I scare off enough races as is. The root to the question I guess is if I can pick up a good set of Ported/milled heads would it be a bad idea on the stock cam? I did try a search but couldnt really find the answer i was looking for.

JScamaro

iTrader: (6)

You can always get a stealthy cam that has a smooth idle.

SlwBirdy

Ya i have been conidering a cheater cam. Well im switching dealerships to sell at another so no decision is being made now. But as soon is i get started the stall is going in right away.

blown03mustang

this is a trend that it getting worse and worse! yes donkey dick cams sound great but have more cons than pros on street cars

SlwBirdy

Ya when i get around to it im going with a mild cam from lpe. Anyways what would a decent set of ported heads add with a stock cam and full bolt ons?

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Cam done yourself $700 add a tune for $500

Heads worth getting >$2,000
Add in head studs, gaskets, lifters, pushrods if you mill the heads, easily another $500

Head swap is about $3K

SlwBirdy

Can you really do a cam yourself for 700? And ya i guess the headswap does add up.

Urban Legend

iTrader: (5)

Like dying at the stoplights.

blown03mustang

and having absolutely no torque under 4k......you can make even small cams sound very aggressive with a cutout and a lower idle!!!

blown03mustang

i had mine bought and installed for a total of like 750 tuning was an extra 350.....definitely worth the money!

blown03mustang

depending on the cam and mods you have you could be anywhere from 420-440rwhp....all depends on the setup!

and i went with a mild cam and it is perfect for around town driving, no dying at redlights, hardly any surging, and performs amazing at WOT

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

i did mine for about 900 and i have three tools i could sell if i wanted. all parts were brand new, i hunted for the best deals. tr224 on 114 cam bought off here for 250 shipped. comp cams pushrods 92 shipped, melling 295 oil pump 108 local, pac 1218 valve springs 135 shipped, all needed gaskets 70 local, msd wires and tr55 plugs 65 shipped, kent moore flywheel tool 60 shipped, tims valve spring tool 32 shipped, hawk balancer tool 55 shipped. pay my tuner for his gas money to come down and tune my car 50 delivered, ls2 timing set including sprockets 70 shipped.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

Yep. All parts + shipping only cost me $680.

MrElectric03

iTrader: (71)

I wouldnt do heads without a cam...it will gain but not much. Go for the cam, you can get a 116 LSA that sounds even quieter than stock. Then later on find some heads, work out your compression by either milling the heads or using thinner gaskets.