Anyone know anything about the limited time CNC special being run by Katech these days ???
Got an email from them that LS1/2/3 and LT 1/4 heads can be CNC'd for 500 bucks if disassembled, cleaned, and shipped to Clinton Township Michigan
Doesn't seem to come with a mill job but so what. Local shops can tackle that for sixty to a hundred bucks
I emailed Jason to get flow numbers, runner volume. Etc but got no answer
Quite the busy fella I guess

 

not bad if you can have a nice valve job done and blend it in.

in for numbers.

 

That probably doesn't include a valve job but it's still a good deal from a reputable place like Katech. Local shops here charge about $200 for a valve job, grinding valves, and milling.

 

yes i figured it didnt include a proper valve job or decking.

add guides and springs to that and you're in the territory of a just buying a prepped set.

btw KCS, I'm curious...what do shops in your area charge for bronze guides? i'm getting quotes of ~$600 with a good valve job.

 

Bit more info


Pic from their email



Explanation of the $500 service

 

I wonder how long the sale is going on? Would love to get my 243's CNC'd

 

Call them and find out.

 

I tried that and you end up in TelePrompTer hell leaving a message for Jason only. Best to just email him. Jason Harding
Should be shipping my 853s tomorrow

 

http://store.katechengines.com/cnc-p...eads-p591.aspx
http://store.katechengines.com/cnc-p...eads-p589.aspx

 

Before disassembly


Decent mixture



Not bad for ninety thousand

 

Ready to ship them out


Seats not too pounded



204cc

 

Anyone from Katech ever email you back? I might send a set out to them too.

 

Yes Jason did get back to me on Monday. His response to my question about the 853s was "YES" we can do those....they listed 241s, 706,862, etc.
When I asked about runner volumes, chambers and that; plus flow numbers;
he stated that it's like a twelve year old program that was done prior to his employment there and he had no current info. Stated that they almost do no LS1 stuff anymore, it's mostly 3,7 and the LT1/4 architecture now days.....cutting edge stuff so to speak.
I argue that the original LS1 stuff is still quite relevant since these vehicles are now older and falling into the hands of younger motivated wrench turners who may also want a cost budget CNC original casting instead of some brand spanking new aftermarket. But to each their own.
Assuming that the original hand work from which their program was digitized off of was decent, I decided to take the chance and see....for only $500 bucks; hell at least I don't have to hold a grinder for 10-15 hours of my life.
I just hope it's not a HUGE port when done....however I do remember Mamo stating in his flow testing that one 250cc runner did have really good low lift numbers considering the size.
Being as these are going on a 90K short block out of a 99 Z28 with no specific build plan(car), I just will wait and see the finished product and cam accordingly.
I will need to have my buddy weld up the notches and my local shop that I will have "wack" em' .030" will most likely get the task of flowing them.
Since I might be selling this engine after, not certain the valve seats will get cut. I'll prolly just cartridge roll blend the inner angle and assemble after lapping. Buddy of mine has some 8,000 mile used PRC valve springs that I'll most likely scoop up with the Ti retainers and install with .050" down locks to work for like a .570"-ish lift cam....trunion bushings in the rockers as well.
I kinda enjoy silly little side projects like these just to keep me busy and outta trouble.....

 

Katech received these heads on Monday and just emailed me that they have been shipped back my direction already on Wednesday......AWESOME turn around....cant wait to check these out, clean em' up, and start lapping the cleaned up valves in them. Also need to have the notches welded and get them milled as well. Will post pics soon.................

 

Post some picture's when you get them.

I have some 241's I was thinking about sending out.

 

Should see them by Friday as Katech is just on the other side of this giant pond (Lake Michigan)
I'll quickly get a bunch of different angles so you folks can see if it appears worth the $500 special without waiting for my flow results or dyno numbers.
I doubt the factory seats will be cut, not sure on what if anything gets done to the chambers, and I'll still need to have the deck surfaces cut to get them close to assembly ready. I figured it was a cheap enough deal to jump on and take a chance.

 

Runners only. No chamber work



Intake upside down



Exhaust looking down in



Bowls



Intake guide work



Close up exhaust port



Intake runner



Injector line of sight. Rocker bump void

 

This weekend I should be able to really blend these bowls nicely with cartridge rolls and hopefully kiss the leading seat edge...will lap the valves all in prior
Plan is to have my buddy weld up the silly gasket notches on the deck surface then will drop off at @ C&S machine in Butler, WI for the .030" cut and have a few runners flowed.
With zero chamber work and the GM original valve job my simple guesstimates would be 280-ish intake and about 230 on the dirty side with a pipe....but we shall see/learn
Just kinda surprised that no "old school fellas" seem to remember this program or have any results or anything......
So far the general visual IMO is decent for the price

 

Not too shabby. Thanks for posting.

 

Gotta a lotta work left to do on them. Not sure that $500 is a "deal" or not though. Looking forward to see them done.