I've been on LS1tech awhile but sadly never really looked into ported heads because I never thought I would ever buy some. I know damn near everything else about our cars excpet for heads and N2O. Now I am looking into getting some heads...

I see there are many styles, like 5.3, LS1, LS6, Stage I/II/III, 6.0, 5-angle, etc... Anyone care to explain the differences between the two.

As long as you're reading this I guess I should throw this in as well. Which heads would you reccomend to someone like me. Mods are in sig, I am a street person, rarely see the track, looking to get 430-450rwhp if possible in a relatively cheap package.

Thanks a lot!

 

how much power are you making now? For heads go with ported 5.3 heads for your most cost effective solution IMO. (TEA) Ported ls6 heads will make more power but then you have to pay for the more expensive cores.
You may also be able to get away with a set of AFR heads.if you are wanting 430-450 your also going to need all the supporting mods.

 

I made 365 rwhp without my long tubes, ported TB, ASP pulley, and on crappy mufflers. I plan to get an LS6 intake before heads, or do it all at once. I guess I'm at 385rwhp right now.

I was looking at the Absolute Speed Stg 2 5.3 heads, how are these?

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/ls1tech-sponsor-feedback/227045-update-heads-absolute-customers-only.html

I would not buy anything from him if his customer service is as bad as it looks in that thread.

 

I agree. Run TEA, MTI, or Vinci 5.3s with 2.02/1.57 Ferrea valves.

 

After doing some reading it looks like if I buy Patriot heads the $2 valves will break and leave me with a destroyed motor. At least that the vibe that I'm getting. Is this true at all? It seems like everyone is against Patriot now becuase of a few bad cases. Anyways can't you buy new valves to replace them, or is the angle job different? I think you can relate Patriots to Pacesetter where it's risky buisness to get them. Well I love my Pacesetters and I think I would have the same satisfaction with Patriot heads. Does anyone agree or am I dreaming... Thanks

 

Yes you could buy upgraded valves..but then they are no longer at a price point that is better than everyone else.

BTW nice looking car. I love that color.

 

Thanks alot!

Here are the three heads I'm looking at, all from Patriot:

- Stage II 5.3, 2.02" / 1.57"
- Stage III 5.3, 2.055" / 1.60"
- Stage II LS6, 2.055" / 1.57" 59cc or 64cc

Anyone want to champion for one of these? Also what is the difference between 59cc and 64cc besides the obvious, and which one is more practical. Thanks

 

On a 3.90 bore stay with the 1.57 valve, I have been informed by reliable sources that the 1.6 gets shrouded and doesnt do any better than the 1.57.

 

That is the combustion chamber size. The 59cc will give you more compression than the 64cc.

 

i have a thread goin on heads too but this seems to be more informative lol what kinda stuff would you want in a heads, how many cc, valve sizes, everything. there is so much out there to think about with heads and it just seems that most people just wanna sell waht they have in stock. just want a head that makes great power. i keep hearin about the AFR's and how they make good power and have room to work. thinking about 205's but i dont really even know lol dont know if i a ltage 2 5.3 head is better or what?!

 

It is hard to beat the 5.3 heads because of the smaller chamber for a stock size LS1. The compression N/A that I like to shoot for is 10.8 and the 5.3 head will easily do it. The stokers, 382/383, I like to have a 69cc chamber and a flat top piston.

 

ok so for a stock cube motor, what are the best valve sizes to shoot for i see 2.02 2.055 but sounds like 1.57 on the exhaust. 59cc? or 62cc? what about that?

 

It is hard to beat the 2.02/1.57 set up. The 2.05 requires changing the seats out and I do not see the money spent advantage on the flow difference between the 2.02 and 2.05.

 

Curious how the 2.05 PRC S2 5.3L heads will be BESIDES how gomer did.

 

There will be track times this weekend from 2 PRC cars,1 being gomer and the other a 450rwhp unlocked 5200 stall automatic car with 5.3L stage 2.5 heads.The 2.5 heads come with a 2.055/1.60 valves.IMO,this is the best max effort head for a stock bottom end,even better than the LS6 heads.The runners are smaller and flows as well as any LS6 head,on flow bench testing.For a little less agressive setup there is the stage 2 heads with 2.04/1.585 valves.This is perfect for 220 - 232 range cams.The heads will give you 10.8 compression.

 

Terry

I called you this weekend, main line was disconnected but I left a vmail on your cell.

Do you have the PRC's in stock? Either version?

 

I use my cell phone only.There is a waiting period on these heads.I do not have anything in stock.

 

Would anyone like to debate Patriot's LS 5.3 Stage II (2.02/1.57) vs. LS6 Style Stage II (2.055/1.57/59cc) Heads...

Thanks

 

your sources where right on a 3.9 bore I can acually get a stock 5.3 exhaust valve to flow more that any of our other usual valves