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

MS3 or MS4? Which are best heads? Help!

Old May 19, 2008 | 09:11 AM
  #1  
SheldonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Default MS3 or MS4? Which are best heads? Help!

Hey,



Im planning on doing a heads & cam setup on my '02 LS1 that ive transplanted into my '89 iroc-z.


Here's my plan:
440+ Rwhp
Driveable (Could drive it to school/work everyday without too many issues, take it for cruises, and whatnot. The car would rarely see stop & go traffic)
Fire up everymorning and no give me greif
Have an awesome idle to terrify tuner kids



Here's my setup:
Stainless works longtube headers
LS6 Intake
LS2 Timing chain
Stock shortblock
4L60e
Aluminum driveshaft
Richmond 3.73 geared LS1 rear diff



Ive been looking into the MS3 Cam & the 5.3L Stage 2.5 heads. ive read on LS1tech people are making about 450ish rwhp with this setup. Ive been thinking that's what id go with, but then ive had some second thoughts and thought maybe the MS4 cam would be best for me, and then pick up the Stage 1 LS6 heads? Id also need your hardened pushrod's & gasket kit.


Whats your opinion on the cam? Would the MS4 work ok in my setup, and give me the advantage of some extra cam? Would the stage 1 LS6 heads with the PRC Spring kit be enough heads to bump me past 460rwhp with the MS4 Cam?

Also, which LCA would be best for me if the car would see about 40 miles of driving per week, but then a fair bit of strip time. I would want the car to idle rough, but be tame enough that it wont stall out at every stop light.


I would keep the heads un-milled, and would be willing to flycut the pistons a bit if needed. Would a FAST LSX intake benefit me alot with the cam & heads?


All help greatly appreciated.


Sheldon
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
snake charmer's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (118)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 1
From: The south
Default

If you are set on going with a ms3 or ms4 a Fast intake would for sure help get you to the numbers you want . Though you may not need that big of cam if upgrading the heads nor flycut for that matter . You may want to mill just a bit and use a smaller gasket for a better quench . Download the dcr /scr spreedsheet if you have not yet . It lets you check different combinations and you can guesstimate on the power .

Last edited by snake charmer; May 19, 2008 at 11:06 AM. Reason: typo
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 03:25 PM
  #3  
Sales2@Texas-speed's Avatar
LS1Tech Premium Sponsor
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,053
Likes: 7
From: Texas!
Default

I'd go wityh the MS3 and Stage 2.5 5.3L heads. With that combo you will not need to flycut the pistons, and the slight boost in compression from those heads will make for better driveability and throttle response with that camshaft! The combo with the heads (assembled with dual spring kit and titanium retainers), hardened pushrods, and the camshaft is on special for $1650 currently!!

Let me know if I can help with your combo!
__________________


Largest Stocking Distributor of LS-x Engines / CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!

COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
POWERBOND - ASP - AND MORE!
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 04:47 PM
  #4  
Z28/2002's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,799
Likes: 5
From: Your girl's back door giving her the long stroke while you're at work
Default

I've got the combo Matt is speaking of and I couldn't be happier
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 10:39 PM
  #5  
SheldonZ28's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
Default

Matt, sent you a PM.

I mentioned to matt in my PM to him, that my dad bought a set of LS6 Stage 1 heads from TSP a couple months back. He planned on putting them onto his engine, but he thinks he will go 6.0L with his build.

I was offered them for $1000. Those heads + a MS4 cam, i would think would be a bit above MS3 + 5.3?

Im definately sticking brand loyal here. Only part i wont buy from TSP will be my LS2 timing chain cause i bought that from the Chev dealer up the road from me. Heads, Cam, pushrods etc im going to be ordering it all from TSP. They were very good to my dad when he dealt with his credit we bought from someone else. Im very impressed with them and im definately bringing them my buisness.

Sheldon
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 11:57 PM
  #6  
tnmotown's Avatar
11 Second Club
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (107)
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 25
From: Cali
Default

Im going with the MS3/5.3s pretty soon and think i should be well above 420RWHP. With the MS4 i heard that you have to spin the RPM's much higher to get it potential and also the FAST 90/90 would greatly help both setups. Also with MS4 aggressive's lobes you will be changing valve springs more often.

But really, both setups should make a decent amount of power. I just cant wait!!
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2008 | 05:07 AM
  #7  
LS1C5Vette's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Default

Originally Posted by snake charmer
If you are set on going with a ms3 or ms4 a Fast intake would for sure help get you to the numbers you want . Though you may not need that big of cam if upgrading the heads nor flycut for that matter . You may want to mill just a bit and use a smaller gasket for a better quench . Download the dcr /scr spreedsheet if you have not yet . It lets you check different combinations and you can guesstimate on the power .
Where can you download this spreadsheet at?
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 09:58 AM
  #8  
BOBS99SS's Avatar
Captain Double Post
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 2
From: Elyria Ohio
Default

Ms3 would be better for ya, as long as you have the mods to get the best outta your h/c combo,longtubes,intake,etc. I don't know if you got gears yet or are planning on going with 3.73,but if you haven't bought them yet get 4.10s,my buddy put 4.10s with the ms3and was running , those will keep ya more in the higher rpms which that cam will love a whole lot.and if you are doing heads to you almost have to do a fast setup a ls6 will work,but i would go with the fast, hope your build goes well should be a pretty fast iroc, God bless
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-3

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-7

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:49 AM
  #9  
Sales2@Texas-speed's Avatar
LS1Tech Premium Sponsor
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,053
Likes: 7
From: Texas!
Default

Originally Posted by SheldonZ28
Matt, sent you a PM.

I mentioned to matt in my PM to him, that my dad bought a set of LS6 Stage 1 heads from TSP a couple months back. He planned on putting them onto his engine, but he thinks he will go 6.0L with his build.

I was offered them for $1000. Those heads + a MS4 cam, i would think would be a bit above MS3 + 5.3?

Im definately sticking brand loyal here. Only part i wont buy from TSP will be my LS2 timing chain cause i bought that from the Chev dealer up the road from me. Heads, Cam, pushrods etc im going to be ordering it all from TSP. They were very good to my dad when he dealt with his credit we bought from someone else. Im very impressed with them and im definately bringing them my buisness.

Sheldon
The Stage 1 LS6's have to be setup for the MS4 to work without flycutting (the best of the cores, very minimal milling, specific valve job, etc). Do you know if your Dad had them setup for the Magic Stick??
__________________


Largest Stocking Distributor of LS-x Engines / CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!

COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
POWERBOND - ASP - AND MORE!
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:02 AM
  #10  
fastassls1maro's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 1
From: lewistown, PA
Default

i notice your running an auto trans. correct me if im wrong but im pretty sure your gonna need a higher stall converter to work with the MS3 or MS4 cam??
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:07 AM
  #11  
gyrene2003's Avatar
12 Second Club
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,213
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake va
Default

Ditto on the stall!! Do it either now or at the same time or u will be very displeased with the setup, u wont be using the power at all. A nice 4000 stall and a set of 4.10s like me and u will be happier than a pig in shizzle!
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 12:09 PM
  #12  
black00ssFL's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: Ocala, FL
Default

Haha, I love when people don't pay attention to the original posting date of the thread and just keep going along with the discussion.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 01:11 PM
  #13  
Sales2@Texas-speed's Avatar
LS1Tech Premium Sponsor
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,053
Likes: 7
From: Texas!
Default

Originally Posted by black00ssFL
Haha, I love when people don't pay attention to the original posting date of the thread and just keep going along with the discussion.
WOW! I'm usually pretty good about that and missed this one being 2+ years old!

LOL, I had wondered why I didn't have a PM like the thread said!
__________________


Largest Stocking Distributor of LS-x Engines / CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!

COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
POWERBOND - ASP - AND MORE!
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:31 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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
story-4
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-5
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

Slideshow: The 7.0-liter LS7 was designed for absolute cutting-edge performance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-07 18:36:00


VIEW MORE