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iTrader: (27)

I am in the works of getting some used Patriot 5.3 stage 2 heads. It is a killer deal but I was just making sure that there are no problems with these heads, esp. if running an MS3 cam. What are your opinions? I can get the heads and arp head bolts shipped to my door for $625-should I take them?

jermzz

iTrader: (18)

As long as they're not milled you should be fine. I have 5.3s and im fine with a big cam. I believe the 5.3s just have smaller combustion chambers to give a little higher compression ( 10.8:1 i believe ).

As for the heads, what do they flow? Patriot heads are a lot better then they used to be, but are they an older set?

Ksett

Go with TSP LS6 heads. They will make more power.

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iTrader: (27)

But for the head bolts AND the heads, $625 shipped to my door you would still pay the extra $900 for heads and $120 for head bolts for the LS6 heads?

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iTrader: (27)

TTT I need more opinions on this buy before I do it/don't do it guys, come one! I appreciate the feedback!

35th SS

iTrader: (2)

for 625 thats a steal.just make sure nothing wrong with the heads.got mine for 1200 brand new from Patriot couple years ago.go for it.

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iTrader: (27)

He said they only have 5000 miles on the. He decided to build a 383 with a huge N20 setup. I'm pretty sure I can't pass these by.

Ryan02SS

iTrader: (3)

Mine are almost 3 years old now and are working pretty well. For the $ spent they provided a noticeable power increase.

35th SS

iTrader: (2)

get it brah!I see you have a 4000fuddle in there..those heads will kick *** with that verter plus a trex cam.will have a yank4000 goin in mine soon.happy modding.

Ksett

The LS6 heads from TSP with stock valves, competition valve job and double springs come to $1250. You can use stock head bolts if you aren't spraying for $48. It's usually about $50 for shipping depending where you live, so $1348-$625=$723.

If you are doing the install and tuning yourself it would make sense to try the cheaper heads and see how they do because the only thing you will be out is
time. However, if you are paying a shop $800 for install and $400 for a tune
I would go with the proven LS6 heads, because it will cost you another $1200 if they make crappy numbers and you end up replacing them.

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iTrader: (27)

Well if its a 30+hp gain I think its worth it. I'm really not looking for an all out beast, just a step ahead of other cammed cars.

Patrick G

iTrader: (14)

It's easy to say this now, but when you're down 20 rwhp compared to other cars with similar mods, you're going to wind up spending double the difference to catch up.

Ksett gave some sound advice, don't go cheap on the heads, they're the foundation to making all your power. FWIW, the older Patriot heads are known to be soft on power. Sure you'll save money up front, but I can promise you that you'll be replacing them sooner than later because you won't be happy with your results. Sucks to buy things twice, especially if you're paying for the install. Buy the PRC CNC'd LS6 heads or save up for some aftermarket castings (AFR, Dart, ETP). You'll thank yourself many times for spending a few hundred more up front.

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iTrader: (27)

Thanks for all the advice guys-I live in a small town and there aren't a whole lot of cars for me to be worried about though.

However I'd still like to get a power estimate of what these heads, the mods in my sig, and an MS3 cam could make?

I'm a poor college student and its tough to save up money to afford heads and what not, so this may be my best option.
I'm not looking for the fastest Ls1 out there, but I'd like to see a 430hp head/cam car, is it possible to do with this setup?

eamador11

Older patriot heads had poor oil control of which they fixed in todays design. dont go cheap, youll get what you pay for.

Patrick G

iTrader: (14)

You might see 430, even 440 rwhp with the PRC LS6 heads with the mods you have, but with the old Patriots, you'd be closer to 410 rwhp.

GrimReaper

iTrader: (33)

They are new patroits, and i made 448hp with them. There is nothing cheap about them. Not to mention right at 600 with a simple 150 shot. Sorry to but into the thread, but the Patroit 5.3's and damn good heads

Patrick G

iTrader: (14)

SVT THIS, if these are new Patriot heads, then they flow much better than old ones, but keep in mind, they only come with stock LS1 springs. The seller took off the Patriot Gold springs. Have you budgeted extra $$ for the good duals you're going to need to run with the MS3?

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iTrader: (27)

I know I will need dual springs, I've also thought about upgrading lifters and an oil pump. This is going to be a summer long project, but this just looks like a great deal that I don't think I can pass up. The PRC's with dual springs is almost 1k + if not that already. I'm just trying to save half a grand without sacrificing a ton of performance, and to me, 20hp really isn't enough for me to justify spending almost 2x as much.

Ryan02SS

iTrader: (3)

I wish Gunnar would chime in and tell what has changed in the S2 5.3L's from then and now. I guess I got a ringer set as mine are almost 3 years old burn no oil and make good power.

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iTrader: (27)

I'd like to hear from him too. TTT for the night