AFR heads and valvetrain longevity
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2004
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AFR heads and valvetrain longevity I'm planning to buy a few AFR parts this month, a set of 205 heads and their mild cam. From the archives on this forum, it looks like it's a Comp XER grind, 220/224, 115LSA, .581/.581 lift. The only thing that's kept me from placing the order is valvetrain longevity. How long do you guys think this setup will live? I'd really like a valvetrain that will last at least 25k without a teardown.
I'm wondering why, with the LS6 that has a lower redline than this AFR combo, GM went with valves that weight 25% less than an average stainless valve if it wasn't really required. Maybe that's the difference between 10,000 mile reliability and 100k? When I look at the AFR combo, I see heavier valves, heavier retainers (even though they're titanium), heavier springs, heavier everything. For me, long term (and long trip!) durability are more important that big dyno numbers.
Would a stock 02 LS6 cam have OEM reliability even with the heavy AFR parts because of it's more gentle ramps? I know the AFR/Comp cam will perform much better, 20 RWHP according to Tony at AFR, but I'd like a few opinions on what I'm getting into.
-Joe
I'm wondering why, with the LS6 that has a lower redline than this AFR combo, GM went with valves that weight 25% less than an average stainless valve if it wasn't really required. Maybe that's the difference between 10,000 mile reliability and 100k? When I look at the AFR combo, I see heavier valves, heavier retainers (even though they're titanium), heavier springs, heavier everything. For me, long term (and long trip!) durability are more important that big dyno numbers.
Would a stock 02 LS6 cam have OEM reliability even with the heavy AFR parts because of it's more gentle ramps? I know the AFR/Comp cam will perform much better, 20 RWHP according to Tony at AFR, but I'd like a few opinions on what I'm getting into.
-Joe
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by Flareside
I'm planning to buy a few AFR parts this month, a set of 205 heads and their mild cam. From the archives on this forum, it looks like it's a Comp XER grind, 220/224, 115LSA, .581/.581 lift. The only thing that's kept me from placing the order is valvetrain longevity. How long do you guys think this setup will live? I'd really like a valvetrain that will last at least 25k without a teardown.
I'm wondering why, with the LS6 that has a lower redline than this AFR combo, GM went with valves that weight 25% less than an average stainless valve if it wasn't really required. Maybe that's the difference between 10,000 mile reliability and 100k? When I look at the AFR combo, I see heavier valves, heavier retainers (even though they're titanium), heavier springs, heavier everything. For me, long term (and long trip!) durability are more important that big dyno numbers.
Would a stock 02 LS6 cam have OEM reliability even with the heavy AFR parts because of it's more gentle ramps? I know the AFR/Comp cam will perform much better, 20 RWHP according to Tony at AFR, but I'd like a few opinions on what I'm getting into.
-Joe
I'm wondering why, with the LS6 that has a lower redline than this AFR combo, GM went with valves that weight 25% less than an average stainless valve if it wasn't really required. Maybe that's the difference between 10,000 mile reliability and 100k? When I look at the AFR combo, I see heavier valves, heavier retainers (even though they're titanium), heavier springs, heavier everything. For me, long term (and long trip!) durability are more important that big dyno numbers.
Would a stock 02 LS6 cam have OEM reliability even with the heavy AFR parts because of it's more gentle ramps? I know the AFR/Comp cam will perform much better, 20 RWHP according to Tony at AFR, but I'd like a few opinions on what I'm getting into.
-Joe
TECH Resident
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 881
Likes: 1
Well, at least hollow step Ferreas. I think they add $188 for each the intakes and exhausts. Andy you can reduce lifter weight/pushrod weight also (although you are really much more interested in pushrod rigidity.
I also depends on the springs. I think Comp recommends the 921s with Ti retainers with that cam, which are a much more expensive that the stock pieces.
I also depends on the springs. I think Comp recommends the 921s with Ti retainers with that cam, which are a much more expensive that the stock pieces.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 91
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Originally Posted by DavidNJ
Well, at least hollow step Ferreas. I think they add $188 for each the intakes and exhausts. Andy you can reduce lifter weight/pushrod weight also (although you are really much more interested in pushrod rigidity.
I also depends on the springs. I think Comp recommends the 921s with Ti retainers with that cam, which are a much more expensive that the stock pieces.
I also depends on the springs. I think Comp recommends the 921s with Ti retainers with that cam, which are a much more expensive that the stock pieces.
Lose a few ponies, but gain 100k reliability instead of 10k or 20k.
Last edited by Flareside; Jan 18, 2005 at 09:32 AM.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 9
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by Flareside
Those lightweight valves do sound nice, but they put the price of these heads through the roof. With milling, I'd be looking at around $2700 for a complete set. That price makes the GM CNC heads, with lightweight LS6 valves, look like a better deal at under $2k per set.
Lose a few ponies, but gain 100k reliability instead of 10k or 20k.
Lose a few ponies, but gain 100k reliability instead of 10k or 20k.
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Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 91
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Originally Posted by niphilli
This is just speculation but I dont think the valvetrain would go 100K with an XE-R .581 grind with or without the sodium filled valves. May be worth looking inot the titanium valvesprings in the new LS7 engine, I believe the factory lift on that camshaft is .591, but I still doubt the ramp rates on that camshaft will be aggressive as teh Xe-r grinds.
I already have a set of GM LS6 CNC heads, and an LS6 cam, all brand new (got them for 1/2 price). My dilemma is, do I sell these parts and go for a set of AFRs and the smaller AFR 220 cam? Or, should I keep these parts and pocket the $1000+ difference in costs. I like the idea of the stock LS6 valvetrain parts, but not if the LS6 parts will have poor throttle response because of the 240cc intake ports. I also like the idea of an OEM valvetrain.
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