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Why are heads so expensive?

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Old 03-24-2005, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 99_black_SS_m6_T's
OK question about 5.3 or 5.7... Isnt that the engine size? Dont I have a 5.7 Total confusement here? what is mine?

"The valve train parts in the 2002 and up ls6 heads are better than the 2001 heads." -- Is the bore on the piston bigger than on my 99?
Trying to understand why the heads are a bigger bore than mine.
And I do like the $1550 or what ever it is, even the 1789 for the stage 2's isnt that bad compared to AFR's and other stage 2 heads. I just need to ask all these questions to understand it all.
the difference is only in the casting they use. We prefer to port the 5.3 heads because they have a smaller combustion chamber so they net a little bit more compression. The only heads with a bigger bore than yours are 6.0l heads.
If you are really unsure of what heads would be best ask some of the members on here. And read, read read.. some very good advise goes on in this forum. I think it is best to read as much info as you can get and make and educated choice instead of just jumping into a purchase.
Brent
Old 03-24-2005, 08:07 PM
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just a comment, you can change your member name by requesting a new one on the user support part..
anyways, i spent top dollar on my heads and i wouldnt have done otherwise. It really depends on how you value your car. My car is like a child to me and when you are doing serious, expensive stuff to your car like heads, you might as well pay the extra few hundred to get the best instead of regretting it later. I think you car comparing the price of the cam to that of the heads too much. Those both really go hand in hand
Old 03-24-2005, 08:12 PM
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Brent,

Do you guys find the combustion chamber on some heads is better than others? I heard some people talking about how the LS6s like less timing than the 5.3s?
Old 03-24-2005, 08:27 PM
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although it was posted before,i'll say it again."you get what you pay for".and it's not just about the port work.you can have a head that flows .300cfm at .550 lift or whatever but if the valve stem to guide clearance is excessive you will lose power,burn oil and the valve job will be shot in no time.theres a lot more work to a set of heads than just the port job,and the people that have the knowledge and patience to do this kind of work right usually charge more.you'll save money in the long run paying more up front for quality and have a dependable ride.i speak from experience, trying to save a buck has cost me more money than buying a set of "expensive heads" in the first place.do a search on here and you'll see whose heads consistently make power and last a long time doing it. just my .02

Last edited by 66deuce; 03-25-2005 at 02:03 PM.
Old 03-24-2005, 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Grant B
Brent,

Do you guys find the combustion chamber on some heads is better than others? I heard some people talking about how the LS6s like less timing than the 5.3s?
Yes we have. The more efficeint the chamber the less timing it needs. I think the regular 5.7 head needs the most IMO Vs. our 5.3 chamber. However our chamber is a lot different than the stock 5.3 chamber although it maintains its basic shape..
Old 03-24-2005, 08:51 PM
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brentb with your 1.5 heads how much increase in hp should I see with my current setup?
Old 03-24-2005, 08:54 PM
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30-45 depending on tuning,exhaust and how much compression you go withetc. It will be a noticable gain.
Old 03-24-2005, 08:59 PM
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30-45...
Old 03-25-2005, 01:57 PM
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Brent,

Your posts are most helpful in explaining the whys and hows of quality cyliner heads. It's no wonder your company has the great reputation it does.

Thanks,
equandt




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