RJDio

I'm shopping all the 243 alternatives: Buy a used set and send to AI or TEA. Buy them already ported, some by hand, some CNC. Lots of options! Just buying a used set from a non-vendor always has its risks - we have read the horror stories!

CBM is a very reputable LS engine builder in CA, just don't see their name out here much in my circles in TX. They sell a 799 cast fully CNC ported head, rebuilt with Manley components. $1500 set, no core fee. I've seen better flow numbers but I have been always told those number may be speculative and can vary from head to head, cnc vs hand, etc.

I'd appreciate anyone's experience with these. thanks!

ds98formula

iTrader: (3)

You have a link? 1500 can get you ai heads witch have good results.

redtan

iTrader: (5)

1500 for a well known and proven head sure. 1500 for a no name with no real life results is kinda steep. You're pushing into aftermarket as cast heads for that price and those will outperform even the best ported heads.

kennerz

CBM is highly respected in the socal area. Known for being stand up guys. THey deal with mainly the sandcar and offroad industry/customers and have a reputation for building reliable stuff & standing behind their work when something happens. The sandcar guys at glamis are real hard on engines, it is a tougher environment for engines to live in.

You hear very little if any complaints about CBM, but you hear a lot of praise from satisfied customers. & They are not a small time shop & they build a lot of LS motors.Basically anything GM (ecotec,new school V6,Blown,turbo,tuning) May not be cutting edge, but represent quality and high value for the dollar.

ds98formula

iTrader: (3)

Cool any links to them or there work. Ai is very well know and for 1500 you know what you are getting. Just want to see some of there work. I am looking at all options on heads too. Ai is my front runner due to rep and results

amxtra

Here is the link you are looking for.
http://store.custombuiltmotors.com/e...r-heads-1.html

RJDio

thanks for advice. Thompson cast heads were the cheapest I found. Regarding flows, I think TEA stage 2's maybe had the highest flow listed. I was just at LMR in Houston and they have beautiful cnc ported / rebuilt 243's on the shelf and they are about $1800, I may just do that. I'm just trying to eliminate buying a used set, hoping they are legit. Packing them up, mailing them to be ported and rebuilt. costs add up.
btw here is CBM ebay site: http://www.ebay.com/usr/custombuiltmotors

Mike Morris

iTrader: (55)

On a 346 n/a?

Find a set of 799s on Ebay. If you look they can be had for $300. Then AI or TEA to complete them. I have seen good results for both in this type of application.

RJDio

The ones on Ebay for that price have broken bolts or helicoils in them, also some are listed as having scratches inside chambers....how do I know lol. I've been shopping for 2 weeks for a bargain.

this guy has a lot of sets, all cheap but all damaged. http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-GEN-III-5-3-5-7-6-0-CYLINDER-HEADS-799-243-LS2-LS6-/321294119827?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ace9f3393&vxp=mtr
a like new set of 243's are already at over $400 on ebay and bidding don't end till Sunday! Add CNC porting and rebuild and you are up around $1500. I know there are bargains out there, I've never been good at finding them. A neighbor got dusted on a set of heads years ago, they were usable just weren't as advertised. Even junk yards are savvy now. some quoting me $200 per 799 head and they aren't even checked, just sold as a refurbishable part.

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

You can still find the LS6 243s on the corvette forums for 400-500 range and
end up with the lighter hollow stem valves. Have AI do their budget valvejob
and spring package and enjoy a head that flows 275/210 range for like 1000
1200 total.

Mike Morris

iTrader: (55)

Ones on my car I got for $200. They are out there. Keep looking. Good luck

redtan

iTrader: (5)

We get that they are well respected shop for various things when it comes to cars and builds, but are they known for their cylinder head CNC research and development like other shops out there specializing in that (AI, TEA, WCCH, Livernois)?

Not ragging on them as a performance shop, but just because they are in the car business does not mean they specialize in CNC porting heads and design of chambers and runners.

LivernoisMotorsports

iTrader: (1)

We currently offer our stage 2 ls1/2/6 heads for $1499.99 outright.
$1299.99 if you send in your cores.
We have proven this cnc head over and over and over...

RJDio

Thanks for that info! I will def check it out!

RJDio

Sean I love this vid of the '02 Camaro. but you could have given him a better head start!?! LOL. It looks like you guys build some sick toys.

Noahf

I have some personal experience with CBM and would not recommend them. I would not run CBM heads, even if I received them for free.

Sean At CBM

I am sorry for your bad experience. Not sure who you are so can't say I know what happened. All I can say is I am 100% sure we tried our best to make things right!

windmill

iTrader: (4)

Sean like to hear more whats all done to the Camaro.. what I seen it runs 9's...

RJDio

I seen this vid while researching them a bit. Very cool car, carbed 425 LS3 stroker. A coworker based in CA said all good things about them, but he is into BMW racing and not LS engines. Tho he did say he wanted to put a LS engine in his old M3

Sean At CBM

For those of you who would like to know more about the Camaro, here it is. The guy who owns and races it is our computer tech guy. He started with the car years ago bracket racing it with a near stock setup and a small shot. After he started working for us, we decided to step it up a notch. The old stock LS1 and T56 were removed! We then built a 425. LS3 block, Manley crank, CBM rods, Comp/CBM cam, CBM CNC ported LS3 heads. It runs on race gas through a carb. It is a fairly basic engine and still makes around 650hp. It has been in the car for about 3 years now and has no had one problem, not even a leak. His car is limited to run a 10.00 so that is what it is set up to do. It can go faster but again he is limited to what he can run. The car itself is still a full body car with stock front frame. It is completely gutted, one seat, lexan windows and stuff like that. Not sure exactly what it weighs but I am guess around 3000. He races in the local PSCA series in SoCal if anyone is interested to watch!