porting heads
porting heads i was wondering if it would be worth while to get a pair of used heads and have them ported with new valves seats guides and springs at a machine shop or just port the ones on the motor or just buy a set already done??? anyone go through this already??? thanks alot
FormerVendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 278
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From: Yorba Linda, CA
I would only have porting done by a shop that has experience with LS1 heads. Even if you find a local shop with LS1 experience, you are often dollars ahead just buying a set of completed heads. The cost of services (cleaning, porting, valve job, surfacing, assembly) and parts (springs, retainers, locks, seats, seals) are often quite higher than just buying a set of "ready to run" heads.
FormerVendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Many of the shops that sponsor this board sell great heads. In my opinion, Patriot is turning out great products. I personally have a pair of their 5.3 stage 2 heads. I also know people that have used heads from Absolute Speed, TEA, and West Coast Cylinder heads with great results.
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FormerVendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Originally Posted by Carvinta
But wouldn't the porter <in general> be making a markup on the parts? I.e., springs, valves, seats, retainers, etc? 
I don't mind paying a reasonable mark-up on parts. These people are in business to generate profit. Without profit, they wouldn't exist - and without them we would have no support.
Originally Posted by boondiggys
does the 5.3 lower/raise compression i was going to go NA ...maybe a 75 shot somehwere in there but i need like 10-11:1 ....also what cam do yyou run with them
Stock heads (ebay) $200
Valves (stainless,2.02, 1.60) $300
Pat duals springs $300
Valve Job (MTI) $250
Labor............Priceless!
----------------------------
Total= $1050
A few more Franks and I could bought A complete set already to go. Add a porter on top of that and its a waste of time.