Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Budget head choices

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 24, 2013 | 09:37 PM
  #1  
formulaon18s's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
Default Budget head choices

Bolt on car in sig. Planning on for sure a cam kit with tax money. Going to be something in the low to mid 230's with a lsa on the tighter side 110 or 111. But I'm debating adding heads also. If I do they will be a budget head for sure. Just wanted some feedback on what I'm thinking. Car is a weekend only, 2k mi a year car. My local track closed so not much track time will be seen.

- Ai HCR 219's
- PRC st 1 LS6's
- PRC st 2.5 5.3's

Obviously I would like some AFR 210's, TF 215's or PRC 227's but not in the wife allotted mod budget, lol. So pro's and cons of my selections? Or firsthand experience with them? B to B dyno or track times would be awesome but I doubt people switch from one budget head to another very often.
Thanks Wes
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2013 | 09:40 PM
  #2  
senicalj4579's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 24
Default

PRC 5.3 best budget heads.
Or
Send your 241s to TEA.
Given your budget thats what I would do.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2013 | 09:49 PM
  #3  
bestlude's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Default

im currently running a 232/234 .595/.598 112 lsa on 5.3 PRC heads from TSP.. put down 430whp 391wtq
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2013 | 10:52 AM
  #4  
formulaon18s's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
Default

That sounds good, about what im shooting for. How long have you had that cam, and would you go smaller or larger if you had to do it again?
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2013 | 12:29 PM
  #5  
Rise of the Phoenix's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,728
Likes: 13
From: Jefferson City, MO
Default

I got my AFR 205 heads off the classified section for a good price. If you want the "higher end" heads, then look on here for them. Otherwise, hit up the PRC heads from Texas Speed.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2013 | 12:37 PM
  #6  
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Default

Originally Posted by formulaon18s
Bolt on car in sig. Planning on for sure a cam kit with tax money. Going to be something in the low to mid 230's with a lsa on the tighter side 110 or 111. But I'm debating adding heads also. If I do they will be a budget head for sure. Just wanted some feedback on what I'm thinking. Car is a weekend only, 2k mi a year car. My local track closed so not much track time will be seen.

- Ai HCR 219's
- PRC st 1 LS6's
- PRC st 2.5 5.3's

Obviously I would like some AFR 210's, TF 215's or PRC 227's but not in the wife allotted mod budget, lol. So pro's and cons of my selections? Or firsthand experience with them? B to B dyno or track times would be awesome but I doubt people switch from one budget head to another very often.
Thanks Wes
AI 219 program. Stock valves, stock ptv clearance, increased compression without mill. For budget to bang ratio, that is what I would go for.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2013 | 11:40 PM
  #7  
formulaon18s's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
Default

Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
AI 219 program. Stock valves, stock ptv clearance, increased compression without mill. For budget to bang ratio, that is what I would go for.
Predator, Thanks for chiming in on such a common topic. I respect your knowledge and have read many of your thread/posts on here. I have a low post count but have been on here a long time. I'm mainly on here to learn and read and have spent many many hours in search mode.

I am totally sold on Ai. Have read many results from satisfied people. But when in a budget standpoint I'm really eager to get the most for my dollar. I mean there are like 5 well known heads in the 1k-1.3k range. The question is how much of a difference between them.

And predator, I may end up hitting you up for a cam recommendation. I've been from the 228r as the smallest to the Polluter as the biggest on my decision making process. If you want to give advice ill give more info.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 09:48 AM
  #8  
Sales@Tick's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,480
Likes: 18
From: Mount Airy, NC
Default

I think you'd really like my "SNS" Stage 2 cam. It's 231/235 .617"/.621" 111+2 and makes for a nasty little stick when paired with a good set of heads like the AI 219's or even the 226's.

Can't go wrong with TEA either as they do great port work also. The only thing I don't like about the TEA heads is that they use a 2.04" intake valve on their stage 2 heads which eats up P to V clearance. For guys that are willing to fly-cut it's a non issue, but for guys that can't fly-cut or don't want to...it is. Now their stage one heads use a factory intake and exhaust valve with the same port work that the Stage 2's have. Also a good option is Livernois, but they are a little more pricey than AI or TEA.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 11:02 AM
  #9  
Rise of the Phoenix's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,728
Likes: 13
From: Jefferson City, MO
Default

The great thing about Livernois is they provide you with brand new 243/799 heads and the port job for right at $1,700. A lot of times, it ends up being more having to buy the heads, send them to AI, have the port them, add all the "goodies" and then send them back. If you already have the heads, then yeah, AI comes out cheaper, but I know a lot of guys only have the 241 castings and want to upgrade to 243/799 heads. Either way, you can't go wrong with AI, Livernois or TEA.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 12:10 PM
  #10  
formulaon18s's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
Default

Martin, I've actually had my eye on that cam. I like that its a middle ground between the 224/228 group and the max effort cams.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 04:59 PM
  #11  
SWEET98SS's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 2
From: Syracuse, NY
Default

I have the AI219 HCR and am very happy with it. It will be close to 450 rwhp better headers and a fast intake.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:41 PM
  #12  
mac62989's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,454
Likes: 32
From: CT
Default

Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
AI 219 program. Stock valves, stock ptv clearance, increased compression without mill. For budget to bang ratio, that is what I would go for.
I agree with this and that would be my pick. If you dont already have 241s (not sure what year your car is) you can pick them up dirt cheap. For me itd be AIs HCR 241s or their 5.3 heads for a budget build.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...o-results.html

https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...-gm-5-3-a.html
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2013 | 08:33 AM
  #13  
Sales@Tick's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,480
Likes: 18
From: Mount Airy, NC
Default

Originally Posted by formulaon18s
Martin, I've actually had my eye on that cam. I like that its a middle ground between the 224/228 group and the max effort cams.
If you like that cam, but think you may want something a little bigger, the Stage 2 LS2 Street Heat is 233/240 .61x"/.58x" 112+2
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 03:51 AM
  #14  
PREDATOR-Z's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14,620
Likes: 17
From: BFE
Default

Originally Posted by Martin@Tick
If you like that cam, but think you may want something a little bigger, the Stage 2 LS2 Street Heat is 233/240 .61x"/.58x" 112+2
That looks very close to the G5X2 of LGM. Good cam with a bit of compression.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 09:22 AM
  #15  
Sales@Tick's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,480
Likes: 18
From: Mount Airy, NC
Default

Originally Posted by PREDATOR-Z
That looks very close to the G5X2 of LGM. Good cam with a bit of compression.
I've never seen the specs on that cam, but the Street Heat Stage 2 is a very nice cam as you said. With some compression you can make almost anything look good
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 09:59 AM
  #16  
maxpower_454's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
Default

You will be REALLY surprised how things add up when you start down the H/C road - mainly the cam if you replace motor mounts, WP, OP, lifters, etc but with the mileage on most of our cars, they're pretty much necessities. If I had to do it over again, I would probably just do a cam and then save up for the heads.

Although the only bad part of doing cam only is you have to swap springs on the car or take the heads off anyway
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 10:06 AM
  #17  
Beau@SDPC's Avatar
LS1Tech Sponsor
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,262
Likes: 2
From: Lubbock, TX
Default

Might consider using our 5.3 or LS2 CNC ported heads.

They are both budget friendly, but flow well and can make good power.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 10:20 AM
  #18  
Jason 98 TA's Avatar
LS1Tech Premium Sponsor
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 4
From: Texas!
Default

Personally I like the PRC Stage 1 LS6 heads for the money. The as cast PRC aftermarket casting heads are another great option if your wanting aftermarket castings on a budget! We will mill the heads for you to get compression & P/V where it needs to be for no extra charge.

We currently have over 150 sets of heads in stock so odds are we will have a head to meet your needs in stock & ready to ship

http://www.texas-speed.com/p-3515-pr...ral-heads.aspx

http://www.texas-speed.com/p-1391-pr...ted-heads.aspx
__________________
Jason
Co-Owner, Texas Speed & Performance, Ltd.
2005 Twin Turbo C6
404cid Stroker, 67mm Twins
994rwhp/902lb ft @ 22 psi (mustang dyno) www.Texas-Speed.com
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 11:25 AM
  #19  
LS1T56FTW's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 574
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, NY
Default

228/232 cam
LS6 Intake
PRC 5.3 heads

470whp/419 torque.

Check out my build thread, I am sure you can find it if you look under my stats.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2013 | 11:29 AM
  #20  
Tainted's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,425
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Default

trick flow as cast 220cc

better than a gm casting, even more room for growth in the future.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:35 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE