StorminMatt

I'm looking to get 243 heads for my LS1 (which currently has the stock 853 heads, which I understand are the very worst). And lately, I've been looking around craigslist for heads. I stumbled upon a pair for $200. But the catch is that they are bare heads - no valves, springs, retainers, keepers, or rockers. Is $200 worth it? Or should I pass this up and pay more for a more complete pair?

slogo

price everything that you would need to get them running, and compare.
remember you would probably get new springs anyway.

StorminMatt

True about the springs, especially for a cam upgrade.

bobfig

imo i would get something with at least valves. with bare set you would have to go out and buy some valves and get a valve job to "fit" them.

looking at probably $10-20 a valve unless you buy a set some where.

StorminMatt

This is probably the biggest thing holding me back at this point in time. Granted, I can use the valves from my 853s. But I would still need a valve job. This wouldn't be a terrible thing. But it would be an expense nevertheless.

squalor

iTrader: (3)

and you would be leaving power on the table if you didn't get a valve job.
Why buy complete heads with springs you won't want to use, get BTR platinum duals. Re-use your 853 valves, your rockers. Don't forget to pick up a cylinder head dowel kit from BTR.
$200 seems like a good price. Ask the seller if you can get the heads pressure tested. Look carefully at the seats, no cracking and no seat replacement is what you want. If you have a valve, put it in the guide and space it a 1/2" from closing. Rock it from intake side to exhaust side. 0.004 or tighter is what you want to avoid a guide job. Chambers must be smooth, no buckshot. Examine the bolt threads, especially on the exhaust. No broken bolts that had to be worked on.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

doesn't sound like a terrible deal to me, put in your stock valves and get a valvejob done...likely make a hair more power than typical stock 243s with a stock valvejob and you will know you have a good sealing surface

or get some aftermarket larger valves and get the heads cut for those...

AustinLSX

$200.00 doesn't sound like a terrible deal if they check out ok. If you planned on doing a CNC to them Texas Speed does their stage 2.5 for 950.00 and that includes new larger valves and you could also add springs for an additional fee.

I have a quote to do the stage 2.5 with pac 660 dual valve springs including titanium retainers for 1199.99 ( i am supplying heads )

Just an option.

StorminMatt

When I got there, the guy actually had all but one rocker arm. It also came with some 'mystery cam' (that I probably can't use) and valve covers. So I pulled the trigger. The seller apparently swapped these heads out for LS3 heads on his LS2. But he used the valves on his motor. This had me somewhat stumped, as LS2 valves are smaller. But it appears that these heads had already been reground for larger, LS3 sized valves and generally cleaned up in the bowl area. So it might have been a better deal than I thought.