00Formula00

iTrader: (6)

just have a quick question, i am planning headers, camshaft, and new exhaust system....anyone think whether new heads are worth the money...$1,000, how much hp?

SSilverSSurfer

iTrader: (8)

sometimes people get buy without, of course theyre good, thats why they cost what they do, heads can make you or break you

jdoyle

iTrader: (27)

oh hell ya. depending on the application, the possibilities are endless.

if you can only spend 1000 on heads, id def see where that could get you.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

Yes, many of the 1000 dollar heads will potentially net you better than 30HP. It might take another 1500 dollars to put an extra 10 HP on top of that with the super premium heads.

Steve Bryant

iTrader: (1)

Good cylinder heads set the stage for every other modification you plan. This doesn't mean you have to have the best. However, properly done, a basic pocket porting of the bowls and a mild cleanup (removing flashing, irregularities, etc.) of your own heads will yield a good improvement. Good heads will make the proper cam for your application really shine. If I were going to rank fundamental improvements, I'd say to do heads, cam and headers (in that order). However, if you are going to pull the heads, I'd wait till I had the money for a cam since you already have the engine torn down anyway.

What are your goals for your car?

All my best,

Steve

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Even ported stockers are good! Mill and mild port can work wonders. I would suggest the LS6 intake on top of that if you don't already have one.

99_Z_155

iTrader: (7)

i too am looking at heads. i have a 233/239 cam with .600/.605 lifts. i have headers, and a mail tune from TSP. i dynoed like 370 without a real tune, running a bit lean. would a set of LS6 ported heads and LS6 inake net me over 400hp? after i do that im thinking of throwing nitrous at it, but thats another story. i am now employed at a chevy dealership, and can get good deals on parts. i was thinking i could get the LS6 heads for like 6 or 700. what do you guys think of that? Dont want to hijack, maybe this info could help out others...

eamador11

Yes, heads are the heart of the motor so dont skimp on them.

Ryan02SS

iTrader: (3)

Heads are the equivalent of your brain. Power is made in the top end while the bottom end simply handles it. You would not skimp on brain surgery so you would not want to skimp on your cylinder heads.

dalejr8ls1

iTrader: (1)

to be short... YES

BriancWS6

iTrader: (18)

I've been cam only with my last car and heads/cam with this one. Guess which one I like better

Cop Car

iTrader: (14)

you can get new 243s for like $400 or something, you can find used ones cheaper. the benifit of those is that you can increase your compression (adds hp) without loosing piston to valve clearance. plus they flow better. since you are on a tight budget you should look at patriot ported heads, for like 1200 you can have awesome heads.

also while you have the heads off you might want to think about replacing your lifters with GM stock replacements. $125 from GMpartsdirect. knowing you wont have to remove your heads again is a nice feeling...

LS1IMPULSE

iTrader: (42)

patriot claims 40HP gains on their 243 castings, i beleive they are $1195 assembled with PRC golds, i dont think they are currently listed on the patriot website so you may have to PM gunnar if interested.

00Formula00

iTrader: (6)

so whats the deal with buying used heads versus new ones....are there any downfalls in ones that have already been ran on???
so say im going to get LT headers, 5.3L partriot heads and a 228 cam...anyone have a guess on hp numbers for that? to the wheels?

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Well, sometimes portwork/valve angle jobs can wear down a bit over time/usage.

Depends on if you are a M6 or an A4 and what other bolt-ons you have done. Drivetrain loss through an automatic will cause you to actually dyno less. Doesnt mean it is any weaker powerwise though.

00Formula00

iTrader: (6)

ya i have the A4
ummm i only have exhaust and cold air intake....so get a new set of heads if im gonna do it....
so say i have the extra money saved for the heads...is it worth it or should i spend that money somewhere else

austin21

which are better 205 or 243 ... i have a 232/240 595 608 cam installed already

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Cam = Heart (think about it)

Well, honestly you can make all the power in the world, but you have to be able to plant it to the ground. That is where it is going to count. I would do suspension mods before I did heads. You have the power right now to go 12's in the 1/4. I think that you will benefit from the supporting mods. Hell, the horsepower you have now is over powering what you can actually use. Subframes, Torque arm, LCA's, Panhard rod, Sway bars, Upper and lower A-Arms, Tubular K member, Poly motor mounts, Poly Transmission mounts.....just to name a few. You can get a good chunk of that for the price of heads. When you are ready to do heads your gonna have a monster.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

243 is the LS6 casting. I would go for that before anything else, unless you are trying to raise your CR.

Blackout6

money not being an concern, what are the best heads straight up?