should i get ported heads
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2006
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should i get ported heads I am doing 4.8 swap in to a 1979 chevy nova, it is 2004 4.8 going to run a texas speed stage one low lift cam 208/214 .550 lift, I will be running a carb intake with throttle body efi have not decided on what system yet, with msd 6014 controller and with 3.42 gears with a 4l60e trying to decide if I should get some ported heads or not
Disco Nova , I have not seen one in awhile they have been over looked by the 2 nd gen and 3 rd gen most want pre 73. But I like it, and suggest that you black out the B pillars and grill and add a tri-pinstripe like the ones they put on 69 SS Chevelle. It will give the car a whole new look .
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Joined: Dec 2017
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Porting heads gives AMAZING results. A motor with good heads and a small cam will beat a motor with crappy heads and a big cam, any time; and will have more torque, better around-town manners, get better gas mileage, and a host of other better things, to boot.
Of course you can go TOO far, same as anything else; but the basic principle is sound.
Katech is running a $500 special for their CNC program. Not sure they have a 706 program but worth checking. If they don't somebody else probably does. I just had a pair of 317s done, and although the motor isn't built yet, I can tell you, they look AWESOME. Just got em polished and blended and ready to go to the ceramic coating shop the other day. Can't wait to drive em. If you're going to run stock heads, consider something like that.
Run some GOOD valve springs. Another often overlooked or skimped-on part that will bite you where the sun don't shine when you are least able to deal with it. Ask Texas Speed what their "standard" recommendation is, then their "upgrade"... again, it's possible to go TOO far, but for acoupla extra pennies at most, get the best/most that they think would be appropriate for that cam. I'm suspecting, their KS-14 package. They all cost the same within that range... not even a matter of pennies, just lay your money down and pick the part # you want.
Of course you can go TOO far, same as anything else; but the basic principle is sound.
Katech is running a $500 special for their CNC program. Not sure they have a 706 program but worth checking. If they don't somebody else probably does. I just had a pair of 317s done, and although the motor isn't built yet, I can tell you, they look AWESOME. Just got em polished and blended and ready to go to the ceramic coating shop the other day. Can't wait to drive em. If you're going to run stock heads, consider something like that.
Run some GOOD valve springs. Another often overlooked or skimped-on part that will bite you where the sun don't shine when you are least able to deal with it. Ask Texas Speed what their "standard" recommendation is, then their "upgrade"... again, it's possible to go TOO far, but for acoupla extra pennies at most, get the best/most that they think would be appropriate for that cam. I'm suspecting, their KS-14 package. They all cost the same within that range... not even a matter of pennies, just lay your money down and pick the part # you want.
You may want to consider Livernois ..... I just spoke with them they also have a cnc only special $500 ..... their program is 215 cc intake runner on LS1 /LS2 they are sponsors here and have a thread on gen lll external page .
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I saw that too recently. Their prices are some of the best I've ever seen.
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I am doing 4.8 swap in to a 1979 chevy nova, it is 2004 4.8 going to run a texas speed stage one low lift cam 208/214 .550 lift, I will be running a carb intake with throttle body efi have not decided on what system yet, with msd 6014 controller and with 3.42 gears with a 4l60e trying to decide if I should get some ported heads or not
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/pro...l-block-build/
Personally, I don't think you should. The 4.8L is such a small engine, you end up spending a lot of money for not a lot of power. The 4.8L and 5.3L engines are for turbo builds.
I think the money you spend on ported heads could be better spent going towards a 5.7L or 6.0L engine. At least with the 6.0L, you open up options to the OEM LS3 eads which make very good power for the price.
I think the money you spend on ported heads could be better spent going towards a 5.7L or 6.0L engine. At least with the 6.0L, you open up options to the OEM LS3 eads which make very good power for the price.
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Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Michigan
Personally, I don't think you should. The 4.8L is such a small engine, you end up spending a lot of money for not a lot of power. The 4.8L and 5.3L engines are for turbo builds.
I think the money you spend on ported heads could be better spent going towards a 5.7L or 6.0L engine. At least with the 6.0L, you open up options to the OEM LS3 eads which make very good power for the price.
I think the money you spend on ported heads could be better spent going towards a 5.7L or 6.0L engine. At least with the 6.0L, you open up options to the OEM LS3 eads which make very good power for the price.
X2 I would only keep the 4.8 is you plan on going forced induction other wise I would get rid of it and find a 6.0 that can be found pretty cheap these days and make good TQ perfect for moving that nova around and you will see better gains N/A
