I have been set on going with PRC 5.3 stage 2.5 heads which are in the $1300 range. However, I recently started to consider an "All Out" set of heads providing they would be that much better... I put down 420whp and 393tq cam only with the set up listed below.

I am looking for a set of heads that will get me close to the 480whp and low 11's(Full weight) or there about. This is my daily driver so the TV2 cam will be the limiting factor. Would a set of ported AFR or TFS ect. be that much better for over 1k more?

2002 TA M6
TSP Torquer V2 114lsa
TSP 1 3/4 LT's
TSP ORY
SLP Powerflo
SLP Lid
Potz P&P TB
Powerbond 25% balancer

 

if you go with a factory asting I'd go with the LS6s

BUT, you could splurge for a set of the trick flow as cast 220's for about $1750 and have room in the future to have them ported and still gain power while having a superior casting.

or if you wanna spend even more, go for AFR 230's or TFS 225s

 

Unfortunately no stock casting head (no matter how good the porting is) will get you some 60rwhp to reach your goals. Although I do agree that if you're going with a budget ~$1300 set I would do 243s instead.

For a little more money, I would go with some TFS as cast 220s.

You'd be hardpressed to get to that number even with high end >$2000 set of heads. Like you said main limiting thing is the current cam and also the intake manifold, which is easily 20rwhp at your power levels.

If you can swing it, I'd get the budget as cast TFS heads and have the option for future improvement in the future.

 

Thanks for the replies. I may need to call up Texas Speed and see if their PRC 227 head would provide that much more hp over a ported 5.3 head. They seem to do the job for a lower price than the AFR's...

 

60rwhp with ported LS6 heads and a FAST would get you there for the same price as just a set of AFR or TFS heads. And they'd make more power than the AFR/TFS + LS6 intake too.

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...-gm-5-3-a.html

I believe this thread will prove you wrong about stock castings. I agree with Jake Fusion; go with either AI or TEA ported 243's and get a FAST setup and you will reach your goal.

 

Dam those are good numbers for cam only on that cam! ..

 

That's what I was thinking...and with 241 heads too...

 

Thanks guys, these are dynojet numbers from a superflow dyno. I have the graph posted in a separate thread.

Texas Speed's line is always busy!

 

I hit exactly 460 with AI 226CC heads, a fast 90, and a small 226/230 cam. With your cam, you should be able to get into the 470's. Possibly kiss 480 with a fast 102 and an SD tune getting rid of the maf restriction.

 

^^^ I agree. You can also go with the AI 232cc 243 program; it's the same cost at the 226cc program.

Have you also looked at the AI Dart/RHS 223cc heads? According to an e-mail I got from AI, they are good for 10 to 15 rwhp over the 243 heads. Aftermarket casting, fully CNC'd and an AI product. Seems like a win win to me. They are the heads I will be going with. Also, a great option for guys who don't have 243/799 castings.

 

Never said OEM castings were crap and not able to make power, however I still think he'd have a hard time making 480rwhp with AI/TEA ported heads and an LS6 intake.

 

really? since when is a stock ported casting head gona pull more hp than a cnc afr or tfs are you on crack?

 

No gm casting is going to outperform a dedicated casting.

And the stock maf isnt really a restriction until 500+

 

OP if your having a hard time getting through on the phones feel free to send us a message we will be happy to help you out and give you some advice. Our 227s would compliment that Torquer 2 nicely though!

 

With the original heads you mentioned in your post (TSP 5.3 heads) I put down 470whp, trap 122 on a 70 degree day (full weight), and that is with an LS6 intake. Go blow your budget on some AFR/TFS heads and come run me after I put my FAST 92 on my car, I really would like to see if the heads that are double the cost will make you pull an inch on me or not. Just sayin, expensive heads are a waste. 5.3 heads and a FAST and call it a day, you will not be left unsatisfied, TRUST ME.

 

Honest advice and I appreciate your response! Awesome to see real world results without buying brand names...

 

I think what he is getting at is ported factory casting outflow a 102, having better aftermarket heads and an even weaker intake is going to do no better.

 

Hey dumbass, did you not click the link to the thread I posted a few posts up where the AI CNC'd 5.3 heads made more power than the PI heads? It's statements like this that prove you're a complete dumbass who obviously doesn't know how to use the search button. AI or TEA CNC'd 243/799 heads are within 5 to 10 hp of the 215cc TFS heads. Like Jake Fusion said, get the AI or TEA ported heads and a FAST setup and you're going to make significantly more power than if you had bought AFR or TFS heads.

 

Bingo.

Talk to some of the head porters around like Brian Tooley. They'll tell you the same thing. The LS6 becomes more of a restriction the more the head flows. The FAST, especially the 102, really allows any head to shine, even a budget head.

Btw, Ai and TEA heads are easily within 10HP of TFS/AFR. I'd say even closer from what I've seen, especially with the hand-blended Stage 2 LS6 from TEA. The hand-touched CNC stuff from AFR might be slightly further ahead, but by that time you're in over $3k+ for the heads.