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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 11:46 PM
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Default Criticize My Build Plans

After some unfortunate events that might've caused some top end problems I'm looking to do a small rebuild.

The car is a 100% DD that will see track time, but just for fun, it's no race car. I'd like to be anywhere in the 11s with everything said and done. Since I rely on this car every day I'm more concerned with reliability then power. Hence why I'm spending money on internals and skimping on headers and what not.

I know a lot of guys DD some of the cams with more aggressive ramp rates, how long do springs typically last before your should replace them?

Anything y'all would change with this list? I'm not sure on a lot of specifics so far, still planning and figuring everything out. Minus the trans and rear I'd like to be around 2k for a budget.

What I'm planning on for 2014 is:

Cheapest rear possible that can hold the power, not concerned with weight.
4L80
Stock 243 Heads? Doubt it would fit in my budget though.
BTR Stage 3-4 or Custom Cam
Platinum/Titanium Springs
Johnson/Manley/BTR Pushrods
Timing Chain, not sure which I should go with
Speed Engineering 'Race' Headers
Already have eBay xpipe
Chrs1313 Ram Air non ac
LS6 intake
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by DREAMZ28
After some unfortunate events that might've caused some top end problems I'm looking to do a small rebuild. The car is a 100% DD that will see track time, but just for fun, it's no race car. I'd like to be anywhere in the 11s with everything said and done. Since I rely on this car every day I'm more concerned with reliability then power. Hence why I'm spending money on internals and skimping on headers and what not. I know a lot of guys DD some of the cams with more aggressive ramp rates, how long do springs typically last before your should replace them? Anything y'all would change with this list? I'm not sure on a lot of specifics so far, still planning and figuring everything out. Minus the trans and rear I'd like to be around 2k for a budget. What I'm planning on for 2014 is: Cheapest rear possible that can hold the power, not concerned with weight. 4L80 Stock 243 Heads? Doubt it would fit in my budget though. BTR Stage 3-4 or Custom Cam Platinum/Titanium Springs Johnson/Manley/BTR Pushrods Timing Chain, not sure which I should go with Speed Engineering 'Race' Headers Already have eBay xpipe Chrs1313 Ram Air non ac LS6 intake
My advice:

Pick up the phone and call Brian. He's usually always available, and WILL call you back if he isn't. You'll find he's very down to earth and easy to talk to, and won't sell you ANYTHING you don't need. Just discuss what your goals are. Seems you're being realistic about goals and expectations.

I'd get the entire build from him, gaskets and all peripherals. Hard to beat one-stop shopping.
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by dr_whigham
My advice:

Pick up the phone and call Brian. He's usually always available, and WILL call you back if he isn't. You'll find he's very down to earth and easy to talk to, and won't sell you ANYTHING you don't need. Just discuss what your goals are. Seems you're being realistic about goals and expectations.

I'd get the entire build from him, gaskets and all peripherals. Hard to beat one-stop shopping.
Brian who?
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by dr_whigham

My advice:

Pick up the phone and call Brian. He's usually always available, and WILL call you back if he isn't. You'll find he's very down to earth and easy to talk to, and won't sell you ANYTHING you don't need. Just discuss what your goals are. Seems you're being realistic about goals and expectations.

I'd get the entire build from him, gaskets and all peripherals. Hard to beat one-stop shopping.
Yea that was my game plan, calling him once I have the time. Just wanted to come in with a little more knowledge so I don't waste his time having to teach me everything you know
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by idle

Brian who?
Brian Tooley
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 12:11 PM
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I would strongly suggest getting a set of 243/799 heads shopping around they can be had for 400 or even less. Also since the car is 100% a dd then I would suggest something in the realm of the stg 2 cam 229/234 would be a nice dd.

Going with a big cam and semi asthmatic heads will give a combo that puts the power up high and doesn't make all that much to begin with. As I said I would go in with the mindset of at least stock 243/799 then ask Brian what kind of cam he could recommend. Also an ls2 chain would be just fine no need for a roller setup unless you want to degree the cam
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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When I talked to Brian he said is stage V would be awesome with stock 243s.
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by redbird555
I would strongly suggest getting a set of 243/799 heads shopping around they can be had for 400 or even less. Also since the car is 100% a dd then I would suggest something in the realm of the stg 2 cam 229/234 would be a nice dd.

Going with a big cam and semi asthmatic heads will give a combo that puts the power up high and doesn't make all that much to begin with. As I said I would go in with the mindset of at least stock 243/799 then ask Brian what kind of cam he could recommend. Also an ls2 chain would be just fine no need for a roller setup unless you want to degree the cam
What's the difference between 243 and 799 heads? What motors do they come on? I just know they're an upgrade from my 241s. But great info though thanks
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 06:39 AM
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The difference is where the heads were cast. The design is 100% the same. Some of the 243's are from the C5 Z06 and has better valves. A normal 243 and 799 are pretty much the exact same.
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 09:14 AM
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What he said^^ they can be found on any ls2 cars so gto ,ctsv, tb SS c5 z06 and many 5.3 trucks
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 02:37 PM
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Alright, thanks for the info. I'm guessing they're worth 15 hp or so over stock 241s?
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 04:57 PM
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Between the Z06 cam, 243 heads and the intake it was a 50hp bump I believe. The intake volume is 210 as opposed to the 205 in the 241's. The compression is also up on a stock long block from 10.1 to 10.5 again over the 241's.
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 05:08 PM
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243s are good for about 20HP stock to stock. You get a bit of a compression bump ~ 64cc vs 66cc combustion chamber and better airflow.
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Old Dec 30, 2013 | 05:35 PM
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Ahh OK, so when you buy used heads what are some things to check besides obvious damage? Not trying to screw myself as my budget is paper thin. The story behind this is I'm guessing my engine might've suffered some damage to the top end, there's now a knocking after doing dumb things in an empty parking lot. I'm in the process of removing the valve covers to inspect, but between work, holidays and the small amount of daylight I'm moving at a snails pace. It went from repairing the damage, to cam swap, and now its looking like heads/cam. I'll say stock 243s now, next thing you know I might be asking about AFRs lol
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Old Dec 31, 2013 | 03:25 AM
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Take a straight edge to the old heads and roll the push rods on a piece of glass. May have bent one. Most likely the culprit assuming something really serious didn't happen.
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Old Dec 31, 2013 | 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Exidous
Take a straight edge to the old heads and roll the push rods on a piece of glass. May have bent one. Most likely the culprit assuming something really serious didn't happen.
Appreciate the feedback
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