I was just wondering how much heads alone (stage 1 or 2) would benefit an LS1 with a stock cam? I've noticed that guys have either H/C, or just a cam, but never just heads. I'm sure theres a good reason for this, and you guys would be the ones to ask. Thanks for your help

 

Heads usually provide 20-30 hp depending on how well the setup works together. More if everything is in synch.

But if your going to go through all the work of pulling the heads why don't you just install the cam while your at it?

 

why have stage 2 ls6 heads that flow 300+ cfm @ .600 when the cam isnt even able to breath that high. stock, the ls1 is cam limited not head limited. the stock heads flow very well for what they are which is why alot of cam only cars make great power. you'll be almot guarenttee'd more power with a nice cam some bolt ons and tune then some heads and a stock cam.

 

definitly, you could buy a cam with all the goodies & a good set of headers for about the same price as most heads out there and make 30-60 more hp than just doing the heads.

lata
Bill

 

Very well put

And on top of that, for the $ you can't beat a cam even with the new springs you will need. You can pick up Killer cams in the for sale section for a fraction of what a set of installed heads will run you.. ( even if you put them on yourself)

 

Simply put, $$$/reward ratio.

I almost did Stage II LS6 heads by themselves with plans to later do a cam. But, I decided that it was just too much trouble (and more money) to do one and then the other so I did them both at the same time.

It would be interesting to see though. You would be assured of having no tuning problems or loss of drivability, that's for sure.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am still somewhat new to the LS1, so I am still learning about how things work together. Sorry if it was kind of a dumb question, but I noticed that no one was running just heads, so I figured I'd ask. I was also curious about tuning, but apparently there are no issues with that, or drivability. I don't know much about it, and no one around here does dyno tuning, so maybe I'll just stick with getting some headers for now! Anyways, good info guys, thanks again.

P.S. Colonel, I was thinking along the same lines as you about maybe getting the heads first and go from there, but you're right on with that money thing!

 

Bang for the buck,Cam gives more power.Heads will compliment the Cam.
I gained 45hp with a TR 224 and another 45hp with my LS 6 heads.I would of probly only gained 20hp with just the heads.