LS1 Head rebuild
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Australia
LS1 Head rebuild Hi all. Just about to commence my head build for my cv8z Monaro (Essentially a 5.7L Pontiac GTO) and just after some advice from those who have had their heads done.
My parts list:
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> JHP VCM Over The Radiator Intake
Camshaft - VCM710
Crow Dual Valve Spring Kit (Seals + Retainers inc.)
Crow Super Duty 7.400" pushrods
Rollmaster Timing Chain set
ARP Balancer Bolt
ARP Cam Bolts
LS7 Lifters & Buckets
Crow cams Trunion Kit
Ramjet 1-3/4" Headers
Melling Oil Pump M10296 - High Volume
Need some input on compatibility of the listed parts, as well as a knowledgeable guide in deciding on a suitable head choice. The power goal is north of 300kw which I'd assume is possible on the 241 heads, however I've just finished my apprenticeship and got a nice bonus so I have an extra bit of cash to splash.
The two heads I've been looking at are
1. https://malexmotorsports.com/product...8424425a&_ss=r
Engine Pro Racing 243 LS1 Cathedral Port head - with a 235 CC intake runner they are bigger than the 211cc port in a 243 head and 200cc in a 241 head. They also have a 63cc combustion chamber to help bump up the comp for those naturally aspirated engines.
or
2. https://www.totalperformance.net.au/...i0jkuk-2nW9nvT
Detroit Racing Products 243 LS1 Cathedral Port heads. These have a 212 CC intake runner which is still a nice bump up from the 241 heads.
Is the extra 20 or so cc worth spending the extra $600 on? or will it not make a noticeable difference in HP/Torque numbers.
Also need some advice on what head bolts/studs are recommended to pair with the build as im overwhelmed by the variants available and would like some real world advice from those who have done the job.
Thanks in advance!
My parts list:
<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> JHP VCM Over The Radiator Intake
Camshaft - VCM710
Crow Dual Valve Spring Kit (Seals + Retainers inc.)
Crow Super Duty 7.400" pushrods
Rollmaster Timing Chain set
ARP Balancer Bolt
ARP Cam Bolts
LS7 Lifters & Buckets
Crow cams Trunion Kit
Ramjet 1-3/4" Headers
Melling Oil Pump M10296 - High Volume
Need some input on compatibility of the listed parts, as well as a knowledgeable guide in deciding on a suitable head choice. The power goal is north of 300kw which I'd assume is possible on the 241 heads, however I've just finished my apprenticeship and got a nice bonus so I have an extra bit of cash to splash.
The two heads I've been looking at are
1. https://malexmotorsports.com/product...8424425a&_ss=r
Engine Pro Racing 243 LS1 Cathedral Port head - with a 235 CC intake runner they are bigger than the 211cc port in a 243 head and 200cc in a 241 head. They also have a 63cc combustion chamber to help bump up the comp for those naturally aspirated engines.
or
2. https://www.totalperformance.net.au/...i0jkuk-2nW9nvT
Detroit Racing Products 243 LS1 Cathedral Port heads. These have a 212 CC intake runner which is still a nice bump up from the 241 heads.
Is the extra 20 or so cc worth spending the extra $600 on? or will it not make a noticeable difference in HP/Torque numbers.
Also need some advice on what head bolts/studs are recommended to pair with the build as im overwhelmed by the variants available and would like some real world advice from those who have done the job.
Thanks in advance!
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 333
Likes: 75
From: Sydney, Australia
A dyno can read whatever the operator wants it to read, but I'll assume an honest dyno. Are you looking for 300+ rwkw on a roller or a hub dyno? Hub dyno read higher. A genuine roller dyno won't get you to 300rwkw, let alone above on stock 241 heads, but it's possible on a good CNC ported 241 if everything else is right.
Years ago my Monaro ran 296 rwkw on a Dyno Dynamics with a cam substantially smaller cam than your 232/234 110 VCM. I backed that up at the track. That 300rwkw was with early Higgins CNC 241, stock LS6 manifold/ TB, short headers and twin 2.5" exhaust. Long tube headers I suspect would have been 300rwkw. Back then, the only cars that used to top that were usually running a FAST manifold and bigger TB.
I personally really rate Higgins CNC heads. Worth looking at in my opinion. Im not anti VCM (I have their OTRCAI) but I will say that VCM cams are not rated highly in quality and lobe technology. There seems to be much better options nowadays.
Years ago my Monaro ran 296 rwkw on a Dyno Dynamics with a cam substantially smaller cam than your 232/234 110 VCM. I backed that up at the track. That 300rwkw was with early Higgins CNC 241, stock LS6 manifold/ TB, short headers and twin 2.5" exhaust. Long tube headers I suspect would have been 300rwkw. Back then, the only cars that used to top that were usually running a FAST manifold and bigger TB.
I personally really rate Higgins CNC heads. Worth looking at in my opinion. Im not anti VCM (I have their OTRCAI) but I will say that VCM cams are not rated highly in quality and lobe technology. There seems to be much better options nowadays.
