Got a cam, need to make a choice on heads.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: maple grove, MN
Got a cam, need to make a choice on heads. I know this question is asked every week, but I am on a budget and have researched a little. this cam kinda fell into my lap, so I havent had much time to look into what would go well with this cam.
car is a 2002 Z28 with full bolt-ons, built and stalled auto with 3.73's.
the cam is a custom grind thunder racing 111 LSA .614/.586 lift. duration is in the 232/229 range. I am getting the exact duration sent to me from the seller (a friend I trust). it made 384 whp cam only with stock heads through a stalled built auto on his car. I am planning on calling Texas speed to see if it would be worth sending the heads to them to be ported after I get the exact Cam specs.
anyway. I found a good deal on some 5.3 heads ($200 complete). I have read u need to port the exhaust valves and port for larger valves. I have searched, but I havent found much info other than classified ads. I want AT LEAST 400 whp with this cam and I think its more than possible.
so should I just port the stock LS1 heads or port the 5.3's?
car is a 2002 Z28 with full bolt-ons, built and stalled auto with 3.73's.
the cam is a custom grind thunder racing 111 LSA .614/.586 lift. duration is in the 232/229 range. I am getting the exact duration sent to me from the seller (a friend I trust). it made 384 whp cam only with stock heads through a stalled built auto on his car. I am planning on calling Texas speed to see if it would be worth sending the heads to them to be ported after I get the exact Cam specs.
anyway. I found a good deal on some 5.3 heads ($200 complete). I have read u need to port the exhaust valves and port for larger valves. I have searched, but I havent found much info other than classified ads. I want AT LEAST 400 whp with this cam and I think its more than possible.
so should I just port the stock LS1 heads or port the 5.3's?
Last edited by z28punk; Jul 13, 2010 at 03:30 AM.
You'll need to work the 5.3 heads over to ensure the larger LS1 valve sizes will fit.
You can get some cheap 243's or 799's if you scan the classified ads and craigslist. $300ish. This would be a better investment, and if the funds allow, have a decent VJ/bowl blend done.
^^This seems to be the best bang-for-the-buck combination.
You can get some cheap 243's or 799's if you scan the classified ads and craigslist. $300ish. This would be a better investment, and if the funds allow, have a decent VJ/bowl blend done.
^^This seems to be the best bang-for-the-buck combination.
I agree with squirts. You'll be throwing almost an additional $800-1000 into those 5.3 heads to make 'em work....not a good deal. People see the TSP 5.3 heads on the forum and automatically assume all 5.3 heads are the same. There's a reason TSP charges well over $1000 for those heads. As far as budget wise, stock casting 243/799's, better springs, and a thinner headgasket will be your best bet.
We can CNC port your 5.3L heads, but honestly it doesn't make great financial sense (punny) to do that to them when we sell them brand new for $1309.99. You put $200 into a used set, $750 into CNC work and valve job, $200 in stainless valves, and $250 in a .650" lift spring kit and you've got a $1400 set of USED heads on your hands.
We get the 5.3L castings inexpensively enough that unless you get yours for free or close to it ($100 or less), it doesn't make sense to port your 5.3's.
To clarify: You can save money on the LS6's by sending them in to be ported since that casting is a bit more expensive....but with the 5.3's that is typically not the case.
We get the 5.3L castings inexpensively enough that unless you get yours for free or close to it ($100 or less), it doesn't make sense to port your 5.3's.
To clarify: You can save money on the LS6's by sending them in to be ported since that casting is a bit more expensive....but with the 5.3's that is typically not the case.
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COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
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Cool. I like seeing people still running the reverse split cams. Some may argue that the stall is too small for it, but I would say your fine. What is the STR do you know?
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Did they doctor the cam for you? Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: maple grove, MN
no they did not. I just emailed them with the info I got off the old receipt from my friend. they looked up the specs for me from their records from when the cam was bought. tho what they told me is not what is written on the box the cam came in. I am waiting for the cam card from my friend to be sure. its not far off, and I know the cam makes good power and has the streetability that I am searching for.
I am leaning towards just porting the stock heads. even if I dont reach the goal of making over 400whp it would be close. I found a local shop that does porting and I have talked to a couple people with good first hand experiences. $400 for a full port and valve job is what they usually charge.
I am leaning towards just porting the stock heads. even if I dont reach the goal of making over 400whp it would be close. I found a local shop that does porting and I have talked to a couple people with good first hand experiences. $400 for a full port and valve job is what they usually charge.
