Well i've finally decided i'm going to build a 408 for the Ranger. I'm now stuck at the heads, on what to do. I'm not looking to light the world on fire with max numbers, but prefer to not leave alot on the table either with the wrong head. I just aqquired 2 sets of 243 heads in a trade a for a new furnace a guy needed, so i can now throw those into the mix. My choices:

1. LS3 heads (possibly worked by TEA)
2. TFS as cast 220 worked by Tooley with LS3 valves
3.243 st II done up by TEA with LS3 valves

This will be a 90% street driven with a little strip time. Engine is going to be min 11.5 CR, 3.73 gear in an 8.8, built th700r trans around 3500 stall, topped with a carb(not that it makes a huge difference). I was leaning to the LS3 heads, but i don't want this thing to be a slug under 4k. It is lighter, gonna be about 3100 with me in it.

Any thoughts?

 

I would probably lean towards the LS3 heads. They shouldn't be too much of a slug at all with 408 cubic inches to feed.

 

Check these out . . .

http://texas-speed.com/p-3515-prc-as...ral-heads.aspx

 

Have you ran such a combo KCS? Do you think i should have work done to the heads, or run them in stock form with a spring upgrade?

 

I don't like the PRC heads, i prefer to use a lighter valve, which they will not upgrade to. All said and done, if i used a Cath aftermarket head, i could have the Trickflows set up the way i want for just a little more.

 

If you keep your DCR up depending on what cam you get, it should be not a dog at all down low. It's still a 408 cube motor so should make more than enough torque down low to get it going, especially with a stall and 3.73s.

 

TFS 235's seem to make 408's shine.I'll probably go with them when i swap my 317's out.

 

Yep, I've built that combo several times. With a decent cam, 500whp even through an auto is pretty cake. Having them ported will usually help make some more power, but really just minimal work is all it takes.

I would also suggest getting the hollow stem LS3 valves as it will open up your choices for cams and springs. The heavy solid stem valves would need to be paired with a less aggressive lobe or would need more spring pressure to keep everything under control.

 

Thanks KCS for the input. I think i'll go with the Stage 1 LS3 heads from TEA. I was planning on running the LS3 valves on anything i was looking at, wanted to keep the lighter valves.

 

I have many customers with 408's and As Cast 220's that perform very well. We've made well north of 500rwhp each time they've been utilized on such a combination.

I wouldn't discount them!

 

I agree, runner volume doesn't automatically equal more power. Lots of people going to square port set-ups, recently. But you have to step away from dyno sheets and think about how the car will actually run on the street and track. A decent set of cathedral port heads on a 408 would make a really well rounded motor.

 

If I didn't have my AFRs I would have went with TFS 235s

 

If I could afford it I would have went the TFS 235s, instead I went CNC LS3s

 

LS3 topend will be the best bang for your buck. And with 408 cubes I doubt it will be a dog under 4k. Just set it with a proper cam suited for your needs and square port heads.

 

Another Idea for you, IF you did go with the TFS 220 as cast. You can always have AI port them in the future and that's a really nice program they have.

 

Martin, were these just out of the box As Cast 220's? Or had they seen any work to them?

 

Yea i know the cam will be key with the LS3 heads. Now with Martin chiming in about the TFS heads.....

 

Out of the box! TEA hand blending, TEA valve job and CNC combustion chambers.

Great cylinder head IMO with tons of room to grow if you ever wanted to take the port volume out larger.

 

+1 if you're on a moderate budget. The Chevrolet Performance ported LS3 heads are only $20 each more than the stock ones if I'm not mistaken.