Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
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View Poll Results: Which of the cam/head options I have listed would you pick?
Option 1
30
12.93%
Option 2
25
10.78%
Option 3
32
13.79%
Option 4
27
11.64%
Option 5
29
12.50%
Option 6
89
38.36%
Voters: 232. You may not vote on this poll

Poll. MS3 with heads, or TREX with heads

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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 01:12 AM
  #1  
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Default Poll. MS3 with heads, or TREX with heads

Option 1: TREX/Dart 225cc package==$2200
Option 2: TREX/ PRC Stg 2 Dart CNC==$2400
Option 3: TREX/PRC LS6 CNC=======$1700
Option 4: MS3/Dart 225cc package===$2100
Option 5: MS3/PRC Stg 2 Dart CNC===$2000
Option 6: MS3/PRC LS6 CNC========$1600

These are some packages I put together by looking through some sponsors sites. This does not include gaskets, bolts, etc. Only the parts included in the TRex cam install package, the MS3 cam install package and whatever parts come with these heads. I already have a double roller timing chain but am unsure as to if I would need it with the MS3. I will also be getting an LS6 oil pump. I decided to find a head/cam setup instead of just installing the TRex by itself. That way, I get it all done at once. You all may even talk me into the MS3. Who knows? Here's the deal:

My car has an LS6 intake, lid, SLP LT headers, ORY, dumps, and a Fuddle 4000 w/tranny cooler as well. My car is a daily driver but I want to have an extremely potent daily driver. I'm looking to POSSIBLY dip into high 10s with some sticky tires and good launces. How it drives doesn't really matter as I have heard from MS3 and TRex owners that they are tame with a good tune. If not, I can handle it.

First off, is it possible with the combo's I had listed up there to touch 10.99? And if not, which is the most potent combo listed?

Second, how much money will it cost to machine the heads enough to work with the TRex? Anyone have any experience with this? And if so, what does it involve?

And Finally, which would you go with? Go ahead and vote in the poll, you all may persuade me to do something different =)
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 01:20 AM
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id not g0 the dart route form what ive read too many problems and i dot think youll have ptv clearence with a ms3 cam and dart heads


personally id do the ms3 prc ls6 head combo.. i think you might see a little more out of a trex ls6 combo if it would fit but theres no garentee and the t-rex is gnereally considered to be alot less streetable for only a few poneys at most espically in a auto car

i dont drive my car daily and dont know if id really wanna with a ms3/ prc package i think its more than enough cam for anyone

also if you go ms3 prc combo you get ti all from tsp and they can help you with any probs since its all their own ****
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 01:25 AM
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o yea if you still want more power then do a fast setup like im doing...


or if that wont do ti then id suggest saveing for afr heads and mill them along with adding g5x3 cam and fly cut the pistions.. this was suppose to make real good power but now your spending much more money
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 01:29 AM
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finally i can tell you that untuned thru a 3500 converter and a heavy drivetrain i did 400rwhp untuned

im thinking now that im all tuned up im probally rollin out 420rwhp unlocked or mabye close to 440-450 locked up

after i settle this whole fast swap im gonna retune and see what comes up .. personally im hopeing for 440 unlocked!!
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 10:59 AM
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I see a lot of you voting but no one posting their reasons why?! What would make you all choose what you are voting for? So far it looks like the Dart 225s with the TRex is the most popular choice.

How hard would it be to make this cam work with the Dart heads?
Would I just have to flycut the pistons and mill the the heads? If so, how much?

What are the problems with the Dart 225s that jpr5690 was talking about?
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 11:14 AM
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Will there have to be any flycutting or milling when running an MS3 cam? I think for cost issues I might go the route of MS3 with the PRC Stage 1 heads from TSP. How much power could I expect with this combo and the mods in my sig?
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 12:18 PM
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no flycutting needed for the MS3 i do not believe.
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 12:35 PM
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Are the Dart 225s similar to the AFRs? I've heard you are only paying for the R&D that AFR did and that the Darts are very similar. Would it be worth the extra $500 bucks to go with the Darts over the PRC LS6 heads?
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 05:03 PM
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i had a problem with my prc darts pv clearence .... i sent them back and jason told me something was worng with the heads. He sent me a new set should be here this week or beging of next.... well see what happenes. They are spose to clear due to being same hight as stock heads but have bigger valves...
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 05:07 PM
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I've been talking to alot of people about an economical head choice to run with the MS3. Personally I'm going with the PRC LS6 heads.
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 05:35 PM
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I've seen some dyno tests with the PRC LS6 heads and I think that's what I'm going to have to do. Still up in the air with the MS3 or Trex, but for costs sake, it will probably be the MS3 now. Anyone have some used PRC LS6 heads they wanna sell? Used MS3? PM me =)
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Old Apr 7, 2006 | 11:47 PM
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Hey a TTT. Also, what do you all think of the MS3 cam with some Patriot Performance 5.3 heads stage 2 heads. I only ask this because I can them and head bolts shipped for $625 (see me other thread "5.3 patriot heads). Thanks
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:26 PM
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it want clear with the 5.3 for sure the ls2 from tsp is way much better good luck bro
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:28 PM
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You'll make more power under the curve with the T-Rex vs. the MS3 regardless of which heads you pick because the T-Rex has better valve events. Better dynamic compression and an intake valve closing point that puts more power under the curve and isn't so top-end biased. Don't get me wrong, the MS3 will punch an inpressive number above 6000 rpm, but if you're looking for the mid-range torque to go along with it, a narrower LSA cam like the T-Rex will put more "meat" under the entire curve, plus still squeak out a few more ponies upstairs.
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:33 PM
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Thanks for the info everyone! I had to go with the used Patriot 5.3 stage 2 heads from a member on here. At $625 shipped with head bolts, plus Gunnar's offer to reclean, check for cracks and leaks and fix anything wrong with them and install dual springs for another $275 shipped, I couldn't pass it up.
Now it's just time to pick the cam. I started another post about cam selection, but I am leaning towards the TRex before hearing anyone elses opinions.

What will I have to have done to this set of heads to make the TRex work? I know I will have to flycut the pistons, use new lifters (OEM or Comp R), LS6 oil pump and use a double roller timing chain, but will the heads have to be modified at all? Thanks for all the input!
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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We just made 429.9 rwhp unlocked auto with MS3 and a set of Nasty Performance heads 2.055 intake 2.02 exhaust $1750. Great cam sounds mean.

Forged 347
Nasty Heads
MS3 cam
Harland roller rockers
Stainless Works headers
LS6 intake ported stock TB
3200stall built 4L60E
3.73 12 bolt

Nate
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Patrick G
You'll make more power under the curve with the T-Rex vs. the MS3 regardless of which heads you pick because the T-Rex has better valve events. Better dynamic compression and an intake valve closing point that puts more power under the curve and isn't so top-end biased. Don't get me wrong, the MS3 will punch an inpressive number above 6000 rpm, but if you're looking for the mid-range torque to go along with it, a narrower LSA cam like the T-Rex will put more "meat" under the entire curve, plus still squeak out a few more ponies upstairs.

I would have to agree with Patrick here, i really didnt understand it but once i started to research and downloaded a VE calculator i could actuly see what exactly everyone was talking about. I think a big cam on a wide LSA is just a cheap way of trying to make it streetable, and makes the evo to early(ie loose power under the curve).

Justin
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 04:48 PM
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Well I'm off to work-will someone refer to my post in this thread 3 posts above this one about what is needed to make this cam work with these heads.

Also, I see the TRex cam install kit WITH dual springs comes with titanium retainers, hardened seats and new valve stem seals and the one with single springs does not have these parts. If I am getting new dual springs installed by Patriot are these parts usually included? If so, all I will need will be the lifters, pushrods and cam, gaskets, timing chain and LS6 oil pump? Thanks guys
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 06:42 PM
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You'll want some rod bolts, if you want to spin either of those cams to 7,000.
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 07:00 PM
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I picked 4.
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