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Old Jun 9, 2013 | 07:48 PM
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Ok, I can get a set of 243s out of an ls2 for $150 complete assembled. The only problem is that in one of the heads one vavle is bent, is this a something that could damage the head or can I just replace them and be good to go. Also I would like to port and polish the heads as well as other work, what are some good options with good quality and price? Cartek, livernoise ect
My car is a 2002 ws6 with a torquer v2 cam and full bolts on, made 380ish before ported throttle body and UD pulley, what gains can I see with the heads worked?
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Old Jun 9, 2013 | 07:55 PM
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Ups just notice I posted in the internal section
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Old Jun 9, 2013 | 10:48 PM
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If valve is bent it could have damaged the guide.
Cartek is one of the best (IMO) when it comes with 243s, but expensive (compared to some other brands). Their valve jobs are top notch.
Good quality for $$ spent is TEA and AI. Stage 3 Livernois is pretty good as well.
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 12:40 AM
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Thanks, do you have any idea how much does cartek charges?
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 01:13 AM
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If you are considering Cartek heads you need to sell your 243 heads now and go buy some AFR or Trickflow heads because that is how much the port job costs. Your better off finding something cheap when it comes to 243 heads or 241 heads or just go spend a ton of money on aftermarket castings.
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 04:52 AM
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Cartek is worth every penny. If I would ever put a 243 combo against an aftermarket casting, that is who I would turn too. They move some serious air.
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 11:15 AM
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Not denying it or doubting it. For the amount of money your going to spend unless you really want to hold onto a stock gm casting its not worth it. It's not even like you can say well it has powdered metal guides so you can use stock rockers. You can even get trickflows with powdered metal guides now.
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 12:08 PM
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Well cartek is out of question if its that expensive
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 10:19 AM
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If the guide is cracked, it's not really difficult to replace them. You'll need a valvejob, but that will be part of the porting program from whoever it is you choose. Might as well upgrade to larger intake valves as well.

In Texas, we have:

Slick Rick
510 Race Engineering
Late Model Engines
Westside Performance
Texas Speed and Performance

They're all very good and have made impressive numbers with OEM castings nd have different options to fit almost anyone's budget.
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