Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:03 AM
  #1  
kewlbrz's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Default Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Are there any advantages to using a 5.3 Truck head over a 5.7 LS1 head when porting/polishing etc. Other than increased compression ratio?

What about combustion chamber characteristics.

Also would the advantages of the LS6 head with its raised intake runner design and D shaped exhaust port, outweigh any bennefits of a 5.3 head?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:11 AM
  #2  
2quick4u's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma TN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

The only advantages of the 5.3 head is increased compression, availability, and cost. The increased compression may actually work against you on a daily driven street car.

Using the LS6 head or the 2001 and later LQ4 6.0 liter truck head would be better choices IMO. They have better flowing ports. The 6.0 truck head has the same ports as Ls6 but a slightly larger combustion chamber. This can be milled to maintain stock CR on a 346 or not milled for larger bore motors. If you are building an FI motor, you may want to go with them on a 346 to help reduce CR.

[ November 14, 2001: Message edited by: 2quick4u ]</p>
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:20 AM
  #3  
kewlbrz's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by 2quick4u:
<strong>The only advantages of the 5.3 head is increased compression, availability, and cost. The increased compression may actually work against you on a daily driven street car.

Using the LS6 head or the 2001 and later LQ4 6.0 liter truck head would be better choices IMO. They have better flowing ports. The 6.0 truck head has the same ports as Ls6 but a slightly larger combustion chamber. This can be milled to maintain stock CR on a 346 or not milled for larger bore motors. If you are building an FI motor, you may want to go with them on a 346 to help reduce CR.

[ November 14, 2001: Message edited by: 2quick4u ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hmmm. Are all year 6.0 liter head ports same as LS6? I assume they dont have the D exhuast port?

Seems like that head would be faboulous for an all bore motor or a stroker, with proper piston matching.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:29 AM
  #4  
Pro Stock John's Avatar
LS1Tech Co-Founder
20 Year Member
Community Influencer
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,361
Likes: 1,792
From: Chicago, IL
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

5.3's have smaller combustion chambers.

If money were no object I would get some LS6 heads they supposedly flow like 30 more cfm with the same valves and port job (done to LS1 5.7 heads).

I have ARE 5.7 passenger heads with stage II porting, and 2.08/1.60 valves. <img src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" />
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:30 AM
  #5  
CMNTMXR57's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 1
From: Chicago (Elgin), IL
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Which 5.7 heads are you talking about?

The 5.7L LS1 head?

Or since you are talking about trucks engines, are you refering to the 5.7L Vortec truck head of the previous generation.

If it is the later, they are not interchangable.

If you are refering to the LS1 5.7 vs. a 5.3, would'nt the 5.3 have slightly smaller combustion chambers, therefore increasing your compression ratio?

I don't know about differences in power between the LS6 and 5.3 heads. But aside from going to a "D" port, the LS6 heads have a different valve angle and are pretty much a modified version of the LS1 heads.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:35 AM
  #6  
Crazyquik's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,556
Likes: 0
From: Nawf Carolina
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

The LS6/6.0 head has better swirl characteristics also doesn't it? This would mainly show itself in a power adder situation, probably not just 8-10 extra hp or so n/a. Or do LS6 heads make a bigger difference than that n/a?

J.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:36 AM
  #7  
Matt98SS's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by kewlbrz:
<strong>

Hmmm. Are all year 6.0 liter head ports same as LS6? I assume they dont have the D exhuast port?

</strong><hr></blockquote>

the 6.0 liter aluminum heads have D exhaust ports



http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...126&Sequence=1
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 11:36 AM
  #8  
2quick4u's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma TN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by kewlbrz:
<strong>

Hmmm. Are all year 6.0 liter head ports same as LS6? I assume they dont have the D exhuast port?

Seems like that head would be faboulous for an all bore motor or a stroker, with proper piston matching.</strong><hr></blockquote>

kewl,

Only the 2001 and later aluminum 6.0 liter truck heads have the LS6 ports. Yes, they do have the D exhaust port, so they will be easy to identify. And yes they would be great heads to start with on a bored or stroked engine.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 01:05 PM
  #9  
VINCE's Avatar
Shorty Director
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Valrico, Florida
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

So are you saying that if I stroked the engine the 5.3L heads would hurt a little?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 01:08 PM
  #10  
Crazyquik's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,556
Likes: 0
From: Nawf Carolina
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Hmm, well the 6 liter head flows better and has a better short side radius, but what about combustion chamber? A smaller chamber with flattop pistons will give more performance than a big chamber with domed ones. Of course you could just mill or weld on the 6 liter heads to close down the chambers some. Then again thats more money spent.

J.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 01:36 PM
  #11  
2quick4u's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma TN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by Crazyquik:
<strong>Hmm, well the 6 liter head flows better and has a better short side radius, but what about combustion chamber? A smaller chamber with flattop pistons will give more performance than a big chamber with domed ones. Of course you could just mill or weld on the 6 liter heads to close down the chambers some. Then again thats more money spent.

J.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You can mill the 6.0 heads or just leave them stock and run 9.5:1 compression. Either way, they will make more power on a 346 than 5.3 heads even at higher comression. Breathing builds HP better than slight changes in CR.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 02:32 PM
  #12  
Chris G's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GA
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

This in an interesting thread. What would be the compression ratio with some 5.3L heads? I am looking into going this route through GTP.

So 6.0L heads flow more. Ok. Which would be better for nitrous use. I know that nitrous likes compression, but could you spray more with the "stock" milled compression of the 6.0L heads? I have no plans of going larger than 346ci, but I do want the best heads for the money.

Thanks,
Chris G
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 02:38 PM
  #13  
VINCE's Avatar
Shorty Director
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Valrico, Florida
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

I have not seen any one with 6.0L heads on a 346cu dyno any higher than the usual avg 5.3L heads.. If you have who are they?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 02:39 PM
  #14  
Pro Stock John's Avatar
LS1Tech Co-Founder
20 Year Member
Community Influencer
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,361
Likes: 1,792
From: Chicago, IL
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

The answer is...

It depends.

You can have small combustion chambers and may have difficulty mating those heads with a a different bottom end unless you custom spec some stuff...

I had GTP welded chamber heads from 1998/1999 and I could not use them with my new setup since my compression would have been thru the roof, 56cc chambers.

[quote]Originally posted by vmoore:
<strong>So are you saying that if I stroked the engine the 5.3L heads would hurt a little?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 02:40 PM
  #15  
Y2K_WS6_T/A's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
From: Richardson, TX, USA
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

I guess I am chopped liver, no one answered my QUESTION. <img src="images/icons/frown.gif" border="0">
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 02:53 PM
  #16  
Crazyquik's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,556
Likes: 0
From: Nawf Carolina
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Ok, talking about nitrous. Why do people say nitrous "likes" compression? Is this because it is so cold it lowers temps in the combustion chamber, so it can help combat predetonation of a higher compression motor? What if you ran nitrous with lower compression? Wouldn't you have more physical space to pack nitrous in with slightly lower compression?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 03:11 PM
  #17  
2quick4u's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma TN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by vmoore:
<strong>I have not seen any one with 6.0L heads on a 346cu dyno any higher than the usual avg 5.3L heads.. If you have who are they?</strong><hr></blockquote>

'Sporadic' (Matt) at LS1.com has dynoed very well with some TEA ported 6.0 liter heads. You might want to talk to him.

[ November 14, 2001: Message edited by: 2quick4u ]</p>
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 03:18 PM
  #18  
2quick4u's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Tullahoma TN
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

[quote]Originally posted by Crazyquik:
<strong>Ok, talking about nitrous. Why do people say nitrous "likes" compression? Is this because it is so cold it lowers temps in the combustion chamber, so it can help combat predetonation of a higher compression motor? What if you ran nitrous with lower compression? Wouldn't you have more physical space to pack nitrous in with slightly lower compression?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Personally I would not use high compression with nitrous. N20 builds cylinder pressure very quickly so you don't need the compression building cylinder pressure for you. Too much cylinder pressure and KABOOM!!! bye bye head gasket or worse. Remember higher compression INCREASES the chance of detonation and detonation under spray is a deadly combination for your engine. I would build an N20 motor bottom end exactly like a supercharged engines bottom end. Low compression forged pistons.

But then again I'd rather have my engine last for 100,000 miles instead of making 15 extra hp and having to rebuild it every 10,000 miles.

[ November 14, 2001: Message edited by: 2quick4u ]</p>
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 03:19 PM
  #19  
Speed Demon's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

Are the 4.8 truck heads the same as the 5.3's?

What is needed to put the larger valves in the 4.8 or 5.3 heads?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2001 | 03:19 PM
  #20  
kewlbrz's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
Default Re: Pros Cons Using Truck Head or 5.7L Head

seems like the 6.0 liter head would be the ultimate for a forced induction package.

So let me understand:

GEN III has:

4.8/5.3 Truck Heads 64cc
5.7 LS1 Heads 68cc
5.7 LS6 Heads 68cc (raised intake runners and D port)
6.0 Truck Heads (2001+ Same as LS6 except for chamber size)

All heads above are same (valve angle, swirl characteristics etc...) except as noted?

Any that I am missing?

What is the chamber size for the 6.0L head?
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:21 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE