243 Porting Needed for Mild Cam ?
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 365
Likes: 133
From: California
Going with a set of ported 243 heads will make the heads more efficient at flowing air/fuel mixture and exhaust gases which makes your LS1 more efficient. Even with the stock exhaust manifolds you should feel a difference with a set of ported heads. Bowl work on the intake and exhaust improves the flow and results in power you can feel.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
Thanks to everyone who posted. I’m going to have the heads ported, probably at Texas Speed.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
Thanks to everyone who posted. I’m going to have the heads ported, probably at Texas Speed.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
Since nobody said this yet, don't forget tuning. If money ever becomes an issue and you have to decide between tuning and ANY other upgrade, tuning gets the money every time. Note I said upgrades, not repairs, because a lot of people try to tune around mechanical problems that require fixing.
Since nobody said this yet, don't forget tuning. If money ever becomes an issue and you have to decide between tuning and ANY other upgrade, tuning gets the money every time. Note I said upgrades, not repairs, because a lot of people try to tune around mechanical problems that require fixing.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
Agreed. Have a well regarded tuner and my LS specialist has a dyno.
I was hoping to avoid headers, but agree there is serious hp there. In any case, that’s a step beyond my current project; heads. I’m retired, and need to pace spending a bit, so your point is well taken. Maybe bank the extra $400 for porting toward some SE headers later on.
As far as the heads, my cam is at .587 lift, and have no plans/desires to rev higher than 5500. Still, there’s plenty of fun for my tastes in that range. 👍
Im planning my upgrades around the 15-80 mph rip when there’s an available stretch of road, or on ramp. Not interested in melting Michelins or ventilating trans/rear end, lol. Just some exhilarating put you back in the seat acceleration.
As far as the heads, my cam is at .587 lift, and have no plans/desires to rev higher than 5500. Still, there’s plenty of fun for my tastes in that range. 👍
Im planning my upgrades around the 15-80 mph rip when there’s an available stretch of road, or on ramp. Not interested in melting Michelins or ventilating trans/rear end, lol. Just some exhilarating put you back in the seat acceleration.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
You and I have discussed many things on another forum. IMHO, and knowing firsthand what hot weather you're battling in your C5, I would only consider headers if you coat them inside and out, and add some hood vents. I melted thru my plastic battery heat shield! I'm running uncoated Kooks 1-7/8 LTs. For your goals, I'd go with 1-3/4" LONG TUBE headers-Do not go with shorties. In Florida heat, with headers and Florida's 3 minute red lights, if you don't coat them, and install hood vents, your underhood temps will get mighty hot!! But there's no doubt about it-Doing this Hi Perf stuff is not cheap!! I'd also never go to all the work and expense you're looking at only to end up with a cam that small, especially with a manual trans. You could easilly go up 4°-6° duration on intake without sacrificing anything. Lift on both I. and E., and exhaust duration, are fine for your application. If you do go for headers, again, I'd recommend vents, and coating them, both INSIDE AND OUT!! But I do recommend running them. This is a damn disease, isn't it??!!!
I agree the dual coating the headers, and maybe even wrapping them will mitigate some heat. But even now I can barely place the palm of my hand on the hood after a drive around town! It’s a conundrum, power vs heat.
At just 430whp Prop Joe said he can smoke the tires at will, and I’m not into shredding Michelins… So, if I can make the 400 range with a wide area under the curve with the manifolds I’d be happy with that. I’m shooting for the “right power” for my specific interests. Anything more than that won’t be useful. I think Cam Motion designed the cam as a far more powerful version of the Z06, but with modern lobes. There’s a trade off for little to no lope, low speed drivability, and substantial midrange rip power.
In any event, I’ll finish the engine mods and tune first and see how that works out before a final decision on headers or alternative cam profiles.
Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions, as always!
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 638
Likes: 187
Thanks to everyone who posted. I’m going to have the heads ported, probably at Texas Speed.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
The headers will be on the menu after I clear the cam/head/hb/cooling system/trunnion upgrade portion this fall. It’s just been nuclear hot here, so by the time things cool down I should have the heads back and the last of the parts I need.
Again, thanks for the info. If you have any suggestions for additional machine shops to consider, please post or send me a PM.
If you’re going to invest money on your heads go with advanced induction. They have a 226 intake runner program that rivals Trickflow Gen X 225 heads for half the price. So if you’re going to invest money do it wisely.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
They appear to be a good company, but their port/valve package is $1800-$2000. Twice what I was planning. They may be worth it, but too rich for me.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
Likes: 13
From: Florida
TECH Fanatic
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From: Wilmington, De
TECH Enthusiast
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From: TX
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 35
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From: Florida
I know many will disagree with me here. But once you price out the total from one of the major shops for a full porting service. Its really not far off from just going with an aftermarket casting. After finding a decent pair of 243/799 cores, shipping them off, having them do whatever stage service, proper spring kit and valves if they dont use the stock ones, shipping them back. Youre almost at or past $2k.
I know many will disagree with me here. But once you price out the total from one of the major shops for a full porting service. Its really not far off from just going with an aftermarket casting. After finding a decent pair of 243/799 cores, shipping them off, having them do whatever stage service, proper spring kit and valves if they dont use the stock ones, shipping them back. Youre almost at or past $2k.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 54
From: TX
So $350~ for some 243/799 cores, which is about what they go for.
$300~ for good springs. Then add shipping them. That's $1600 altogether.
Ive used TSP ported heads in the past and was very happy with them.
But if I was gonna do it again. Id pay extra for their aftermarket castings.
Some will disagree, everybody's build is different.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 54
From: TX
I think were in agreement. That's why I said to just start with the aftermarket heads from the get go. Cost more up front, but in the end youll be ahead.