408 Head suggestions
408 Head suggestions 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?
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?
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?
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?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 651
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
I was leaning to the LS3 heads, but i don't want this thing to be a slug under 4k.
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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.
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Verdad Gallardo 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 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.
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.
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.....
Great cylinder head IMO with tons of room to grow if you ever wanted to take the port volume out larger.
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lake Zurich, IL
+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.