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

How long to do head work?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 04:47 PM
  #1  
Lou98SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
Default How long to do head work?

OK my question is this. How long does it take for a shop to complete a set of heads starting from scratch? That is if they are starting from a set of standard LS1-type core heads and are doing the porting, valve job, valves, springs, etc. until they are complete and ready to bolt on. And I'm assuming a shop that does this as a normal part of their business, not one that doesn't normally do this type of work.

Thanks for the help.
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 04:56 PM
  #2  
ToplessTexan's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Murphy, TX
Default Re: How long to do head work?

Any CNC work or completely by hand?
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 05:05 PM
  #3  
Lou98SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
Default Re: How long to do head work?

Let's say hand porting...
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2002 | 11:23 PM
  #4  
Joe Prince's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Hainesport N.J.
Default Re: How long to do head work?

Well, it's quite possible that I am on the slow side when it come to hand porting, but I put in no less than 25 - 30 hours of work into each set of heads.
1. clean and inspect when recieved.
2. pressure test.
3. measure decks "as is" before work is started
4. cut seats and valves to be used
5. port 16 bowls/runners
6. flow bench and develop each runner during the porting process.
7. de-burr and polish each combustion chamber.
8. Mill deck surface to exacting specs for desired compression level.
9. install valve seals/guids and measure each spring for install height set-up and install retainers and locks.
10. clean once again and ship!

As you can see, porting by hand is kind of a pain BUT is more accurate than straight CNC IMHO.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2002 | 07:13 AM
  #5  
Lou98SS's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
Default Re: How long to do head work?

Hey thanks Joe, that was great information.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2002 | 07:31 AM
  #6  
MattG's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, ON
Default Re: How long to do head work?

I have been told around 40 hours in a set of LS1/LS6 heads that have the larger seats for 2.055/1.60 valves.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:38 PM.

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 | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


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