Buying Used 243 Heads Question
11-27-2012, 11:59 PM
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Buying Used 243 Heads Question Hey guys i love this site for all the good advice so i have a question for all of u. Im looking at buying a set of 243's used and was wondering what a fair price for them would be. Also how do i tell if they are good or not. I have read that u can have a machine shop test them for flaws so i was wondering if u guys new of any reputable shops in the San Diego area. Any answers would be appreciated.
11-28-2012, 12:23 AM
#2
if they are run of the mill ls2 243 heads with regular valves they are worth 3-400 depending on condition whereas z06 243 with lightweight valves go for 4-500...only way to verify is to weigh an intake or exhaust valve.
As far as condition you can use a straight edge to check if heads needs milled or not...you can also test the valve seats by placing combustion chambers parellel with a flat surface and filling them with gas or alcohol and see if it leaks down, which would indicate the need for either a valve grind or full valve job...
As far as condition you can use a straight edge to check if heads needs milled or not...you can also test the valve seats by placing combustion chambers parellel with a flat surface and filling them with gas or alcohol and see if it leaks down, which would indicate the need for either a valve grind or full valve job...
11-28-2012, 07:58 AM
#4
IMO a crack is fairly unlikely. More often in a badly overheated aluminum head the casting will go soft which only a shop with the right tools can test. Cast iron heads tend to crack when overheated.
That said ships do have a florescent dye process they can use to check for cracks in aluminum.
Have you considered buying new?
Think they are only like $700 and you know they are perfect, no machineshop cleaning or inspection fees, no potential valvejob, no potential bronze guides needed.
That said ships do have a florescent dye process they can use to check for cracks in aluminum.
Have you considered buying new?
Think they are only like $700 and you know they are perfect, no machineshop cleaning or inspection fees, no potential valvejob, no potential bronze guides needed.
11-28-2012, 08:24 PM
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Thanks for all the answers guys. How big should i port 243's for a basically stock LS1 oh and i plan on doing a cam swap as well. The cam will probably be in the 230 range. Other then hardened push rods and better valve springs what else will i need for the cam swap.
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11-28-2012, 11:31 PM
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I have no plans of porting them myself im gonna send them to Advanced Induction to do the porting and i was wondering how big i should have rhem ported. Also if i raise the compression ratio will that add more power?
11-28-2012, 11:33 PM
#10
Talk to Phil @ Ai. 226 is what most go with. Have him mill it down as much as you can to fit whatever camshaft you have or are planning to go with (or have him spec you one as part of a complete topend system).
Also, if you have 241s or 853s now, he can get you very close in terms of power to the 243s for less cash.
Also, if you have 241s or 853s now, he can get you very close in terms of power to the 243s for less cash.
11-28-2012, 11:57 PM
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Ok thanks for the info. I take it i dont have 241a heads on my 98. So should i raise me compression ratio when i have my heads ported. And here comes the next big question. I have 172,000 miles on the car so is it smart to start making more power or should i just save my money and do a complete rebuild.
11-29-2012, 01:06 PM
#15
172 isn't a worry. As long as it holds compression and does't eat oil you'll be fine.
98s have 806 heads. 99-00 have 853, 01-02 have 241s. No real difference between the 853 and 241 (just different foundries) and the 806 are perimeter bolt, so you have different valve covers and coil brackets from the 99-02 models.
98s have 806 heads. 99-00 have 853, 01-02 have 241s. No real difference between the 853 and 241 (just different foundries) and the 806 are perimeter bolt, so you have different valve covers and coil brackets from the 99-02 models.
11-29-2012, 07:20 PM
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Thanks for all the input on all my questions. How much should i have my heads milled and how high should i raise my compression. Also this is the cam i am thinking about going with http://texas-speed.com/p-1157-texas-...ve-spring.aspx. What do you guys think?
