GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads
10-22-2002, 03:44 AM
#1
GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads The higher number head/cam packages are coming from people using either GTP or TEA S2 heads and the almighty TR 230/224 cam. The TEA heads with double springs are considerably less (to the sound of a thousand dollars) than GTP's S2 heads with double springs. Besides price, what are the other differences between these heads? Are the GTP heads built better with better parts for longevity and reliability? What does GTP do to warrant that kind of a mark-up in cost or is TEA just selling these heads at an insanely low cost? Thanks for any insight.
<small>[ October 22, 2002, 03:58 AM: Message edited by: SStolen ]</small>
<small>[ October 22, 2002, 03:58 AM: Message edited by: SStolen ]</small>
10-22-2002, 04:36 AM
#2
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads There is no doubt that GTP manufactures a very good set of heads. Thats a givin.
Maybe TEA is just selling there heads at a "fair and realistic" price. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
LS1 TEA heads utilize Ferrea stainless high flow valves. I don't think anyone would consider these valves inferior to anything GTP puts in there heads. As far a craftmenship, it is widely known that TEA has been the leader in Ford 5.0 heads and has produced heads for some of the fastest 5.0s in the United States. This is a state of the art facility.
Maybe you just have to look beyond the cost and look at hard numbers, then make up your mind what you want. I hardly doubt you will be dissapointed in any of these two companies. In fact, I think you need to include JPR and MTI heads also in your available options. Without a doubt, very good heads indeed.
Some say "You get what you pay for".. While this may apply in most cases, In this case, I think when purchasing these LS1 heads, I would look more at 1/4 mile performance / dyno performance, and consistent workmanship vs cost.
Bottom line .. The ol' "Bang for the buck" philosophy applies here (as long as craftmanship is also included in the equation). <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Ron (Korea)
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<small>[ October 22, 2002, 05:26 AM: Message edited by: Kimchee and Rice ]</small>
Maybe TEA is just selling there heads at a "fair and realistic" price. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
LS1 TEA heads utilize Ferrea stainless high flow valves. I don't think anyone would consider these valves inferior to anything GTP puts in there heads. As far a craftmenship, it is widely known that TEA has been the leader in Ford 5.0 heads and has produced heads for some of the fastest 5.0s in the United States. This is a state of the art facility.
Maybe you just have to look beyond the cost and look at hard numbers, then make up your mind what you want. I hardly doubt you will be dissapointed in any of these two companies. In fact, I think you need to include JPR and MTI heads also in your available options. Without a doubt, very good heads indeed.
Some say "You get what you pay for".. While this may apply in most cases, In this case, I think when purchasing these LS1 heads, I would look more at 1/4 mile performance / dyno performance, and consistent workmanship vs cost.
Bottom line .. The ol' "Bang for the buck" philosophy applies here (as long as craftmanship is also included in the equation). <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Ron (Korea)
________________________________________________
<small>[ October 22, 2002, 05:26 AM: Message edited by: Kimchee and Rice ]</small>
10-22-2002, 07:52 PM
#3
Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Here's my take on it, there are two difference philosopies at work at GTP and TEA IMO
GTP - Has the name and excellent rep so GTP can ask almost $3000 for their heads and people line up to pay it. GTP will charge whatever the market will pay. If people keep paying $3000 next year the cost maybe $3200 or $3500 etc. The goal is high margins, the number of units sold isn't all that important as long as the margins are high.
TEA - Has an excellent name in the blue oval world and is looking to make a name in the GM/LS1 world. Product is about equal with GTP's. How do you get the word out? Put excellent TEA heads within the grasp of the typical racer at an outstanding price. The word will spread - and spread fast. Selling a large number of heads at a lower margin still equals a profitable business and gives the racer a break on the price for H & C. This lays the ground work for the long run.
This is just my guess.
FWIW
GTP - Has the name and excellent rep so GTP can ask almost $3000 for their heads and people line up to pay it. GTP will charge whatever the market will pay. If people keep paying $3000 next year the cost maybe $3200 or $3500 etc. The goal is high margins, the number of units sold isn't all that important as long as the margins are high.
TEA - Has an excellent name in the blue oval world and is looking to make a name in the GM/LS1 world. Product is about equal with GTP's. How do you get the word out? Put excellent TEA heads within the grasp of the typical racer at an outstanding price. The word will spread - and spread fast. Selling a large number of heads at a lower margin still equals a profitable business and gives the racer a break on the price for H & C. This lays the ground work for the long run.
This is just my guess.
FWIW
10-22-2002, 09:46 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads No mistakes, "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" power cost and if your worried about what the cost is then mabey your in the wrong area to have fun!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />
10-22-2002, 10:10 PM
#6
TECH Senior Member
Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads I have a set of TEA heads on order... I spent a month looking over posts, trying to decide on what to get...
I wanted GTP heads but I can't justify the price... TEA had a great price, for a product that has been putting down really impressive numbers (yes I know the track is what matters not the dyno).
IMO TEA is the way to go... I like the fact that the heads are CNCed... so if I buy a set today or in 2 weeks, or if I buy a set of heads and brian's having a bad day, doesn't matter, the program is set and regardless of when ordered the heads should come out the same....
I guess what it seems to boil down to, is the extra 5-10rwhp (not guaranteed) worth 1000 dollars?
I wanted GTP heads but I can't justify the price... TEA had a great price, for a product that has been putting down really impressive numbers (yes I know the track is what matters not the dyno).
IMO TEA is the way to go... I like the fact that the heads are CNCed... so if I buy a set today or in 2 weeks, or if I buy a set of heads and brian's having a bad day, doesn't matter, the program is set and regardless of when ordered the heads should come out the same....
I guess what it seems to boil down to, is the extra 5-10rwhp (not guaranteed) worth 1000 dollars?
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10-23-2002, 08:23 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
10-23-2002, 08:40 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by BADZ:
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not aware of any, but don't forget that TEA is a relative new-comer to the LS1 scene. I don't know any of the big cube guys who have TEA heads. Now, that doesn't prove anything except that TEA heads haven't been given the chance to go 10s.
Give me the money, and I'll build a motor with TEA heads to go 10's. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not aware of any, but don't forget that TEA is a relative new-comer to the LS1 scene. I don't know any of the big cube guys who have TEA heads. Now, that doesn't prove anything except that TEA heads haven't been given the chance to go 10s.
Give me the money, and I'll build a motor with TEA heads to go 10's. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
10-23-2002, 09:14 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Well GTP is great Craig knows his stuff,And he has a great product.
TEA is great Brian also knows his stuff and has a great product.
GTPS are done by hand,TEA uses and in house 5 axis cnc machine.
Diffent methods same out come you get a great cylinder head.
Assuming the GTP's make more power,all things being equal.Then if money was no object that should be your choice.
However if money is an object the 1000.00 you save by going with TEA could be spent for supporting hardware for your heads and cam package.
Headers,converter,tuning,suspension etc
Good luck either will be a great chocie.
TEA is great Brian also knows his stuff and has a great product.
GTPS are done by hand,TEA uses and in house 5 axis cnc machine.
Diffent methods same out come you get a great cylinder head.
Assuming the GTP's make more power,all things being equal.Then if money was no object that should be your choice.
However if money is an object the 1000.00 you save by going with TEA could be spent for supporting hardware for your heads and cam package.
Headers,converter,tuning,suspension etc
Good luck either will be a great chocie.
10-23-2002, 09:35 PM
#14
Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by jeff gustafson:
<strong>where can I look at the TEA S2 HEADS?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">http://www.totalengineairflow.com/pr...head/index.htm
GM LS1 Car/Truck
GM designed this head for serious airflow, but we can make it even better. There are several versions of the LS1 head, from the 5.3L, 5.7L, and 6.0L cars and trucks. Each of these heads has its benefits (chamber design, port shape, compression, etc), and we can help you decide which head is right for you. All of our LS1 heads are completely CNC ported, and our 5.3L head has a special CNC chamber. You provide the core, or we can locate one for you. Our heads feature the best quality parts: new Ferrea valves, Comp dual springs, titanium retainers, new locks, and new GM seals. Check our Services page for milling, O-ringing, and other services.
CNC Ported GM LS1 Stage I: $1299.00
CNC Ported GM LS1 Stage II: $1799.00
Group Purchases sometimes allow for an even better price! Check out the TEA link>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<strong>where can I look at the TEA S2 HEADS?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">http://www.totalengineairflow.com/pr...head/index.htm
GM LS1 Car/Truck
GM designed this head for serious airflow, but we can make it even better. There are several versions of the LS1 head, from the 5.3L, 5.7L, and 6.0L cars and trucks. Each of these heads has its benefits (chamber design, port shape, compression, etc), and we can help you decide which head is right for you. All of our LS1 heads are completely CNC ported, and our 5.3L head has a special CNC chamber. You provide the core, or we can locate one for you. Our heads feature the best quality parts: new Ferrea valves, Comp dual springs, titanium retainers, new locks, and new GM seals. Check our Services page for milling, O-ringing, and other services.
CNC Ported GM LS1 Stage I: $1299.00
CNC Ported GM LS1 Stage II: $1799.00
Group Purchases sometimes allow for an even better price! Check out the TEA link>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
10-23-2002, 09:36 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by BADZ:
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">None that I know of but there is a certain black SS in PA hoping to hit 9's with them next spring. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> (with a lil juice though)
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">None that I know of but there is a certain black SS in PA hoping to hit 9's with them next spring. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> (with a lil juice though)
10-23-2002, 10:40 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Some of you guy's are on a budget I understand as I do know that TEA has the market on the 5.0L mustangs but GTP is not a production shop and takes his time at his design for the consumer and besides MTI and a very few (and I say few) have made there way in the 10's n/a with S2 heads and a mild cam. Not to flame anyone but just laying down some true facts...
Have fun racing!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Have fun racing!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
10-24-2002, 04:59 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Terry... Thanks for your reply!
That was a very well thought out and informative post. I never really looked at it that way. It's always nice to get a fresh new outlook on these things.
That was a very well thought out and informative post. I never really looked at it that way. It's always nice to get a fresh new outlook on these things.
10-24-2002, 11:47 PM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads Well guys I think this is a really great post. I really want to do heads and cam but I just can't drop the dime on the GTP heads. I want to wring everything I can out of the car for power, but 1000 bucks is half way to my 12 bolt - its a no brainer at this time. Now I just have to find the cashola to get some heads. Anyone want to contribute to the birthday fund - it begins now and goes until march 13th <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Honestly though - how much difference have people been posting between the 2 heads with either a TR224/224 or the TR230?? Those are my choices, but when I do a search I get enough info to keep me reading for the next year and a half - not that thats bad because I need knowledge.
Honestly though - how much difference have people been posting between the 2 heads with either a TR224/224 or the TR230?? Those are my choices, but when I do a search I get enough info to keep me reading for the next year and a half - not that thats bad because I need knowledge.
10-25-2002, 01:15 AM
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Re: GTP VS. TEA S2 Heads </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by BADZ:
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now ask yourself how much longer GTP has been in the LS1 market compared to TEA (years?) and then ask yourself how many LS1 GTP heads are out there for every set of LS1 TEA's.
Lastly ask yourself this. How many other factors go into ET aside from heads? Weight, gearing, driver, track conditions, weather, elevation, suspension, etc....
I mean ****, Rageman could throw on a not so great stage 1 head/cam package and be running 10's. Does that mean his heads are quality? Not necessarily.
I just don't see how you rate the quality of heads by the ET the cars run. Too many variables IMO.
The people that have the cash to lay out $3000+ for GTP/MTI heads most likely have more money to spend on their cars than the average person....which tells me they may have more $$$ to spend on other mods to help them get closer to 10's....at least more so compared to the average individual.
<small>[ October 25, 2002, 01:22 AM: Message edited by: verbs ]</small>
<strong>Is TEA in the 10's yet with H/C packs?
Just wondering? ET's makes up alot IMO... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now ask yourself how much longer GTP has been in the LS1 market compared to TEA (years?) and then ask yourself how many LS1 GTP heads are out there for every set of LS1 TEA's.
Lastly ask yourself this. How many other factors go into ET aside from heads? Weight, gearing, driver, track conditions, weather, elevation, suspension, etc....
I mean ****, Rageman could throw on a not so great stage 1 head/cam package and be running 10's. Does that mean his heads are quality? Not necessarily.
I just don't see how you rate the quality of heads by the ET the cars run. Too many variables IMO.
The people that have the cash to lay out $3000+ for GTP/MTI heads most likely have more money to spend on their cars than the average person....which tells me they may have more $$$ to spend on other mods to help them get closer to 10's....at least more so compared to the average individual.
<small>[ October 25, 2002, 01:22 AM: Message edited by: verbs ]</small>