Sharp1C

I know this forum is geared towards Firebirds and Camaros, and this is a truck thread, but you all have the most knowledge.

I have an 05 CC 4x4 (3.42) with an LM7 with cracked 706 castech heads. So I need to replace them.

With that said I was thinking if I am going to go through the work of swapping heads should I do some small upgrades while I'm at it. I am a novice when it come to this but have been doing quite a bit of reading this past week, since I found my issue. That is what led me here, you all seem to have the most knowledge of these motors than any other forum. So if anyone could steer me in the right direction on what they think would be best I would surely appreciate it. The truck is my DD, has 90k miles on it, I drive 16 miles round trip to work besides that, it will spend its time towing a bass boat (3500 lbs) as many weekends as a new 1 year old at home allows. All trips are typically within 1-3 hours one way. I am debating on if I should do a cam while I have the heads, only thing I have really come across for that was Ticks Tow Max cam, I have seen a few threads talking about that. I have a chance at some 862 heads that have been freshly decked with new valves and seals, it is my understanding these are identical to my 706 heads, should I go with these or try and find some 243's and have them milled .030", or something else? I was thinking if the truck is going to be down for a weekend should I go ahead and do the cam and anything else while I am at it to get some gains for what I use this truck for. I want it to be dependable but wouldn't mind having a bit more. Should I do lifters while I'm in there as well? Really just looking for some good advice, I am open to anything. Like I said I am a complete Noob when it comes to this.

What would everyone suggest? I would like to keep the budget under $1500-$2000. Help me spend or save my money.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

243 are the ZO6 and later 5.3 truck heads. You give up a bit of torque for some upper rpm breathing. The 862 heads will give a bit higher compression. Pair either with a good truck cam and a later style 5.3 intake (same as NBSS intake).

Sharp1C

any recommendations on cam? And are you saying an intake from a 07+ 5.3?

cookseyb

Talk to Texas Speed about their head cam lifter packages, Good Folks. Also check with WS6 Store for their specials along with gaskets etc. Lotsa work for a Weekend job by yourself, Make sure you have the proper pullers, installation tools for the harmonic damper etc. You just as well change the oil pump while you are in there and lifters and trays are a good idea if you are the least bit concerned with the lifters LS2 trays and LS7 lifters for a mild rework.

Sharp1C

I have looked at them but didn’t see anything below $2300. For just the heads and cam.

G Atsma

TSP has packages where they do your heads for much less. Get a pair of junkyard 243/799 heads. They are VERY common since they come on ALL Gen IV 4.8/5.3 truck engines from'07 to about '14.
Send them to TSP and get their $1200 plus options Stage 1 cam/heads pkg. A set of beehive springs, timing set and high pressure Melling pump will take that to about $1620. I don't think that's a bad deal.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

Not sure about 2007 but 2008+, yes.

cookseyb

I took my 862's to TSP ( I only live about an hour and 15 min from them). and they put in the larger valves,CNC job,up graded valves etc,and milled them .030 for about a grand. They came out GOOD....The .030 cleared up some Dexcool erosion around the water openings. Junk yard heads 65 bucks a piece..

big hammer

AFR 205’s are the best Head for a 5.3

G Atsma

Well there ya go! The milling should have taken about 5cc's out of the heads (figuring on about 1cc per .006 milled; might be a little off here). Did you work with them on a cam, or a little later on with that?

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Even UNPORTED, the 243 is a great upgrade. Smaller 5.3 will not generally max out a stock 243 head without rpm, so porting is not really needed here. 799 also. Same as 243 just sand cast vs die cast. Mill 030 as suggested but not much more since it is in a truck. Keep compression in check. Get a cam motion stage 2 drop in cam. Comp 5/16 pushrods, psi 1511 springs, tool steel retainers, cloyes ls2 timing set. Idk i would mess with oil pump if you have good oil pressure now. It is the most lubricated part of the engine and will last quite a long time. Do not forget to budget tune, fluids, and gaskets like everyone forgets when writing a budget:


Used 243/799 heads - 300
Cleaning, milling, valve job - 400 to 700 range
Psi 1511 spring kit (with retainers and keepers) from btr - 350
Pushrods from btr - 150
Cloyes ls2 timing set - 50
Tbss intake - idk
Tune, fluids, and gaskets - 700-900

Sharp1C

Having trouble finding used heads close. All the salvage yards sell full motors only.

cookseyb

Bought the cam only from them, about 350 delivered, a little pricey but the Quality and finish are excellently compared to some of the Chinese junk out there. If you ever get a chance visit their shop, they are very proud of it and love showing it off..

pdxmotorhead

Just me,, but I almost never put a new cam in with old lifters if it were only a 55K or something motor I might but at 90,, your more than half way through their "optimal life".. If budget is that tight,, maybe as well.. at very least each one would get checked and cleaned..

Luck with the project!