Heads on a budget
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Teching In
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9
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From: Collegeville, PA
Heads on a budget So basically I'm a broke college student but need more power.
I did some research and found out a few things and correct me if I'm wrong.
- 243 heads from an LS2 are direct swap
- 243 heads from a Z06 are but since the valves are slightly different the rods need to be replaced with the correct size?
- And 5.3 heads will raise compression but I don't know if I can direct bolt and use my stock cam.
Any advise would be good. Spring I plan on doing a custom cam and headers with a retune
I did some research and found out a few things and correct me if I'm wrong.
- 243 heads from an LS2 are direct swap
- 243 heads from a Z06 are but since the valves are slightly different the rods need to be replaced with the correct size?
- And 5.3 heads will raise compression but I don't know if I can direct bolt and use my stock cam.
Any advise would be good. Spring I plan on doing a custom cam and headers with a retune
All three of those heads are a direct bolt on. If you are talking about buying a set of 5.3 heads in stock form they have smaller valves. My choice would be for the 243's without the light weight valves because it will be the cheapest option. You could bolt them on without worrying about buying new pushrods, which can then wait till you do your cam swap down the road. The 5.3 heads wtih some work done to them are very good, but stock for stock the 243's are the way to go.
if you go through the trouble of swapping heads...put the thinner gasket on them. boost compression a smidgen.
but in reality...for the cost of the swap...and the minimal gains from stock 243 heads....i would look for power elsewhere.
but in reality...for the cost of the swap...and the minimal gains from stock 243 heads....i would look for power elsewhere.
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LS6 heads between the three. Lighter valves make for a more controllable valve train with lighter springs. Valves are only 0.025" longer (from memory) thus not a real issue. They can be had for a fairly reasonable price if you can find them.
1.89 All three of those heads are a direct bolt on. If you are talking about buying a set of 5.3 heads in stock form they have smaller valves. My choice would be for the 243's without the light weight valves because it will be the cheapest option. You could bolt them on without worrying about buying new pushrods, which can then wait till you do your cam swap down the road. The 5.3 heads wtih some work done to them are very good, but stock for stock the 243's are the way to go.
So basically I'm a broke college student but need more power.
I did some research and found out a few things and correct me if I'm wrong.
- 243 heads from an LS2 are direct swap
- 243 heads from a Z06 are but since the valves are slightly different the rods need to be replaced with the correct size?
- And 5.3 heads will raise compression but I don't know if I can direct bolt and use my stock cam.
Any advise would be good. Spring I plan on doing a custom cam and headers with a retune
I did some research and found out a few things and correct me if I'm wrong.
- 243 heads from an LS2 are direct swap
- 243 heads from a Z06 are but since the valves are slightly different the rods need to be replaced with the correct size?
- And 5.3 heads will raise compression but I don't know if I can direct bolt and use my stock cam.
Any advise would be good. Spring I plan on doing a custom cam and headers with a retune
smaller valve yes...however they flow damn near the same with the smaller lighter valve...226cfm vs 227cfm..and the exhaust #s are identical.....and the added bump in compression to boot...most look at the smaller valve and push the head aside,thinking the heads will not flow,when in fact they do....
