Mast LS3 Small Bore Heads
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
Mast LS3 Small Bore Heads Looking to see if anyone has any impressions of THESE heads... What cams have they used, HP/TQ #'s as well as any track times.
I've talked to Damon @ Mast about them and even though they sell them, nobody has really provided any feedback.
First off, I know they are more "optimal" for a stroker 3.9 bore, and that's soon to come. Damon said they would be a bit lazy below 4-4.5k, but that they'd turn on like a f*cking LIGHT SWITCH there after.
With 4.10 gears, I couldn't imagine it being that bad, as well as an OPTIMIZED camshaft from FTI.
Anyone have any thoughts or contributions?
I've talked to Damon @ Mast about them and even though they sell them, nobody has really provided any feedback.
First off, I know they are more "optimal" for a stroker 3.9 bore, and that's soon to come. Damon said they would be a bit lazy below 4-4.5k, but that they'd turn on like a f*cking LIGHT SWITCH there after.
With 4.10 gears, I couldn't imagine it being that bad, as well as an OPTIMIZED camshaft from FTI.
Anyone have any thoughts or contributions?
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From: Wildomar, CA
I can't see the benefit unless you are going to mount a blower that has a rectangular port manifold... Obviously there are a lot more options in the rectangular port so I do see the benefit there. But that said, I just priced these on MAST's website... $3600+ for the black label small bores as spec'd. And that's not even the most expensive options.
Edit: let me phrase that differently. Obviously there would be a benefit. But the cost/benefit would be high/low. Why not add a supercharger to your current setup?
Edit: let me phrase that differently. Obviously there would be a benefit. But the cost/benefit would be high/low. Why not add a supercharger to your current setup?
Last edited by ryridesmotox; Sep 28, 2013 at 11:39 AM.
I say go for it Dave. Ed can take care of the "under 4000 RPM laziness with the cam he specs you. Plus, those heads will be a monster on any size stroker you decide on down the road. Have you decided what intake you plan to run if you get them?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
I can't see the benefit unless you are going to mount a blower that has a rectangular port manifold... Obviously there are a lot more options in the rectangular port so I do see the benefit there. But that said, I just priced these on MAST's website... $3600+ for the black label small bores as spec'd. And that's not even the most expensive options. Edit: let me phrase that differently. Obviously there would be a benefit. But the cost/benefit would be high/low. Why not add a supercharger to your current setup?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
After talking to different folks, it's gonna be a stock ls3 intake. If it was an LS7 type head, then a FAST for sure.
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I've never been impressed with LS3 heads. 225-245 cathedral port heads walk all over ported LS3s in 400cid combos. And that's where the CSA is similar and optimized for the displacement.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
That they do!!
That's the plan. I'll just keep the throttle body.
I think someone here soon is going to post some fairly surprising results... With a 3.9" bore
I think someone here soon is going to post some fairly surprising results... With a 3.9" bore
Perhaps there is a VERY good reason why they aren't popular
The same money will get you TFS or AFR heads, and anyone would be a fool to pass those up over a ported LS3.
If by surprising you mean, "wow look at all that money he spent to make the same power as a budget 5.3 head combo", then I agree.
Perhaps there is a VERY good reason why they aren't popular
The same money will get you TFS or AFR heads, and anyone would be a fool to pass those up over a ported LS3.
Perhaps there is a VERY good reason why they aren't popular
The same money will get you TFS or AFR heads, and anyone would be a fool to pass those up over a ported LS3.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
Already have AFR's. Looking to change it up. You're aware these aren't your typical ported stockers, right?
I've got a trick or two up my sleeve as well.
"'ll take 11* valve angles for added PTV clearance, Alex..."
I've got a trick or two up my sleeve as well.
"'ll take 11* valve angles for added PTV clearance, Alex..."
If by surprising you mean, "wow look at all that money he spent to make the same power as a budget 5.3 head combo", then I agree.
Perhaps there is a VERY good reason why they aren't popular
The same money will get you TFS or AFR heads, and anyone would be a fool to pass those up over a ported LS3.
Perhaps there is a VERY good reason why they aren't popular
The same money will get you TFS or AFR heads, and anyone would be a fool to pass those up over a ported LS3.
The LS3 heads are a good head on a "modest budget", but when you take out the "modest budget" part, there are better options.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Lafayette, LA
I agree with Dr. Whigham here, if we can see some solid results from LS3 small bores and the pricing can be reasonable, there maybe a move away from the cathedral group think. Don't get me wrong I am currently running cathedrals, and they make good power, but there is a reason the new LT engine family is running square ports.
I truly feel the reason shops like to push cathedral heads is because they KNOW what the results will be. Since most shops aren't sure of the results of small bore LS3's they won't push them b/c of what a customer may expect. Also, they aren't sure of what cam would be good with the small bores since there is so little experience with them out there. ED is'nt scare here, and I look forward to your combo setup Dr!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,717
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From: Lafayette, LA
I guess I'm a bit surprised by some of the action in here. Since when does outside the box thinking, or tinkering, been frowned upon?
Sure, there are proven "time and time again" combos out there, but I just want to try something different.
Sure, there are proven "time and time again" combos out there, but I just want to try something different.
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From: Working in the shop 24/7
