Head Choice ???
Head Choice ??? I have a 02 LS1 , Fast 92, NW 92 tb, full length headers, Yank ss3600, and I just bought a EPS 226-234 113 / 598 601 lift cam from Geoff that I'm putting together for a swap. Question is about my head choice. I have a set of stock 243's that I was planning on using. Then I thought about sending them to Advanced Inductions to have them worked. Now I've run across a set of AFR 205 66cc heads. I want the most bang for the buck but I'm not into dyno wars. It's going in a 68 Camaro that will maybe make a few passes down the 1/8th mile, a couple of trips to the autocross runs, but mostly just a sweet cruiser that I can broil the tires off of at will. Should I spend the money or just put the stock 243's on it and go from there. What is the hp difference between stock milled 243's and a set of AFR 205's. By the way this is my first LS motor.
Thanks
Thanks
Without knowing the cost difference you are looking at or the relative condition of the two sets of heads in question it is difficult make a specific recommendation. You need to compare the cost of the 243s reworked and milled vs the 205 AFRs also milled.
Since you have a relatively mild cam you can make good use of some additional static compression. (I bet Geoff can tell you how you can mill without having to flycut the pistons) Once you have the cost tied down - (a) the AFR flow data is available at their website (it has larger valves, is engineered to maintain good flow velocity, and is EPA compliant; and (b) ask Advanced Induction what flow they can give you for your money (the 243s may also have sodium filled valves if they came off an LS6 which is another plus).
Since you have a relatively mild cam you can make good use of some additional static compression. (I bet Geoff can tell you how you can mill without having to flycut the pistons) Once you have the cost tied down - (a) the AFR flow data is available at their website (it has larger valves, is engineered to maintain good flow velocity, and is EPA compliant; and (b) ask Advanced Induction what flow they can give you for your money (the 243s may also have sodium filled valves if they came off an LS6 which is another plus).
Last edited by Darkman; Oct 3, 2010 at 08:06 AM. Reason: spelling
I sent my 243's off to AI and with a mild cam (228-230 588-591 112) picked up 100HP. I think you might get another 10-15 HP from the 215's. But for another $1000 bucks to
AFR's for 1900 shipped plus sell my 243's
AI porting on my 243's around 1000
Mill my 243's and leave them stock 100
I already have my springs. Just don't want to spend $1000 or more for just a few more hp that I'll probably never get to hook up anyway if I don't have to. Now if were talking about a real big gain maybe I'll go for it.
Thanks
AI porting on my 243's around 1000
Mill my 243's and leave them stock 100
I already have my springs. Just don't want to spend $1000 or more for just a few more hp that I'll probably never get to hook up anyway if I don't have to. Now if were talking about a real big gain maybe I'll go for it.
Thanks
If you don't mind paying the premium for the AFR heads go that way. Stock 243's can support a lot of power but give marginal gains over the stock 241's. If money is a big factor then how about some ported 243s from a member for about $1000-1100 and sell the 243s for $350-400 and the stockers for $150.
Stock 243's may only show 15-20rwhp where the AFR's could give an honest 50rwhp+. Ported 243's should be about 40rwhp
Stock 243's may only show 15-20rwhp where the AFR's could give an honest 50rwhp+. Ported 243's should be about 40rwhp
Your money and your choice. I would go with the AFRs, but with either the AFRs or the AI 243s the gain would not be just a few hp - it would significant torque/hp throughout the rpm range.
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The AFR is certainly a good product. At the same time, if they are used you may need $400-600 worth of work to freshen them. For the $, the 243s' cannot be beat. They will make as much power, weigh less, guides will typically last longer, the valves are ligher, etc.
I like the AFR casting, and we had considered doing a few AFR based heads w/ our high end machine work. However, if you already have a set of stock 243's then the best value would be having your 243's cut.
Good luck either way!
-Phil
I like the AFR casting, and we had considered doing a few AFR based heads w/ our high end machine work. However, if you already have a set of stock 243's then the best value would be having your 243's cut.
Good luck either way!
-Phil
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