Stock head differences?
Stock head differences? Hey all, did some searching but couldnt find an answer. I'm curious if there are any differences in LS1 heads throughout the years (I know about the valve covers) dealing with valve size or flow. I have a set of '02 LS1 heads and was curious if there would be any benefit to having them ported as opposed to my stock '99 heads. Thanks.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40
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From: Ca
i would say go with the 02 heads. i know that on my old 5.7 98 heads they needed teflon on the rocker bolt do to holes on the bottom of those bolts but on my new 02 heads there is no hole the only difference between me and you is that my 02 heads are 6.0 heads. Who knows maybe GM did the same to the 02 5.7 heads
The casting differences make the 241 casting (01-02)slightly better than the others(243 LS-6 not included). The reason is "cause of the casting methods used during different periods. The older ones used sand casting which doesn't always have smooth passages and the newer ones use the semi-permanent casting which used metal molds instead of sand. The easiest way to see if you have the better casting method is to get a flashlightand look by the spark plug holes. If you see 1" angular triangles then you know you have the better casting method. The inside of the ports are very smooth with practically no casting "flash" and there is only faint cast parting lines. It is said (Super Chevy Magazine) that the better casting is worth 4-7 hp all things being the same. Of course porting makes all of the differences nil. 
Originally Posted by FIREHAWK#608
The casting differences make the 241 casting (01-02)slightly better than the others(243 LS-6 not included). The reason is "cause of the casting methods used during different periods. The older ones used sand casting which doesn't always have smooth passages and the newer ones use the semi-permanent casting which used metal molds instead of sand. The easiest way to see if you have the better casting method is to get a flashlightand look by the spark plug holes. If you see 1" angular triangles then you know you have the better casting method. The inside of the ports are very smooth with practically no casting "flash" and there is only faint cast parting lines. It is said (Super Chevy Magazine) that the better casting is worth 4-7 hp all things being the same. Of course porting makes all of the differences nil.
Oh well, no biggie. 
