Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Head swap. Is it worth it

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 07:40 PM
  #1  
84c10's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: Rockfield Ky
Default Head swap. Is it worth it

Trying to decide if swapping heads is even worth the trouble. 550hp 6.0 that has lingenfelter CNC SS valve 243 heads. I have the option to swap to a set of TFS Gen X 225 heads in the same chamber size let's hear the opinions is it worth the swap, is there much to gain?
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:02 PM
  #2  
HCI2000SS's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,137
Likes: 20
From: Howell & Fenton MI
Default

You already have the Lingenfelter 243's on the car?
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:08 PM
  #3  
84c10's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: Rockfield Ky
Default

Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
You already have the Lingenfelter 243's on the car?
yes and the TFS heads on the bench
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:18 PM
  #4  
HCI2000SS's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,137
Likes: 20
From: Howell & Fenton MI
Default

Originally Posted by 84c10
yes and the TFS heads on the bench
Ok gotcha. In that case it might be worth it. I thought you were considering buying them, so this makes a big difference lol. What are the rest of your mods? The TFS heads are totally stock?
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:21 PM
  #5  
84c10's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: Rockfield Ky
Default

Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
Ok gotcha. In that case it might be worth it. I thought you were considering buying them, so this makes a big difference lol. What are the rest of your mods? The TFS heads are totally stock?
TFS heads are cnc runner and chambers with SS valves. Really nice heads. The 243's I have are built the same but I know the runner and chambers are suppose to be better on aftermarket heads 6.0 with BTR stage 3 cam, and a prototype plastic manifold comparable to a Fast 6500rpm max power set up
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:30 PM
  #6  
00pooterSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 531
From: Dallas
Default

Better valve angles too. Likely a straighter shot to the valve as well.

I'd do it if I had both on the shelf. All it'll cost is some headgaskets. If you're paying someone to do it for you, then you'll have to be the judge.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:31 PM
  #7  
HCI2000SS's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,137
Likes: 20
From: Howell & Fenton MI
Default

Originally Posted by 84c10
TFS heads are cnc runner and chambers with SS valves. Really nice heads. The 243's I have are built the same but I know the runner and chambers are suppose to be better on aftermarket heads 6.0 with BTR stage 3 cam, and a prototype plastic manifold comparable to a Fast 6500rpm max power set up
Since you already have them is your possession I think it's definitely worth it. Might be worth another 20 hp or so, but those heads can support much more growth later on too
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:35 PM
  #8  
00pooterSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 531
From: Dallas
Default

Originally Posted by HCI2000SS
Since you already have them is your possession I think it's definitely worth it. Might be worth another 20 hp or so, but those heads can support much more growth later on too
I agree


OP if you are using stock rocker stands you'll need to grind the tabs off the bottom for the TFS heads.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 08:56 PM
  #9  
84c10's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: Rockfield Ky
Default

Originally Posted by 00pooterSS
I agree


OP if you are using stock rocker stands you'll need to grind the tabs off the bottom for the TFS heads.
I would do it for 20hp. I ran them on another dyno engine with the rocker stand tabs cut and stock rockers I guess if I use the in the truck I'll need to pick up some roller rockers
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 09:00 PM
  #10  
00pooterSS's Avatar
TECH Veteran
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (40)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 531
From: Dallas
Default

Originally Posted by 84c10
I would do it for 20hp. I ran them on another dyno engine with the rocker stand tabs cut and stock rockers I guess if I use the in the truck I'll need to pick up some roller rockers
You don't have to, you can use the stocks. But if you got the money why not. Don't short change the stockers though, they are excellent themselves. I would do the bushing trunion upgrade though, they bearing trunions come apart (OE) and the aftermarkets wear out super fast. Unless you wanna go super high lift, then switch to rollers.

20 is pheasable but nobody can guarantee it, unless you can find your exact two heads dynoed back to back on the same car, which you likely won't. 10 may be what you get, but 20 is likely, definitely not crazy to think so.


If you really want it to make max power go for adjustable roller rockers with low lash solid roller setup, you could get another 10-20 or so over the hydraulic lifters. But be prepared to open up that wallet some.

I know Brian Tooley sells a bowl blending on TFS heads, make sure yours already are before slapping them on.

Last edited by 00pooterSS; Mar 6, 2018 at 09:06 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2018 | 10:57 PM
  #11  
NAVYBLUE210's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 255
From: Coast of San Mateo County Between Pacifica & HMB
Default

With the right cam (LLSR),Mid-Length Runner Intake & RPM could be
Worth 50+ HP.
Reply
Old Mar 14, 2018 | 11:16 AM
  #12  
gagliano7's Avatar
TECH Addict
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 126
From: Monroe,NY
Default

Have you dynoed it with the Lingenfelter heads? Being selfish i would like to see the difference in the graphs between the 2 heads.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:11 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE