Local-heretic

Thanks everyone for your input.

But I wasn't comparing the heads, I was just wondering if the price difference was worth it. And by the post above, it looks like the PRC/Fast set-up would be better for me if I was just going H/C.

My long term goal is to end up with a mild nitrous set up so maybe the AFR/LS6 will be better suited for a 150 shot. I guess I should have mentioned that in my original post.

From what I gather, the AFR heads and LS6 intake are a little heftier (Isn't the FAST intake made of plastic?) so they're better for nitrous (I might wrong, just stuff I read somewhere)

Redlinez

iTrader: (5)

The AFR's have consistently made fantastic power and are an aftermarket casting, not a ported factory casting, which should have longevity benefits. Most told me the same, if you can at all swing the extra money, get the AFRs. I just bought the least expensive aftermarket casting head.

matt1289

AFR was worth the money to me. There is no way I would have made the kinda power I did with any other head.

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

PRC's and 90/90 here.

Maybe I am wrong or nitpicking but I did H/C intake all at once and had a chance to pick up this 90/90 used for a good deal so I sold the LS6 I had waiting to go on and picked up the 90/90. I really thought it would push me into the 430rwhp area but instead I made about what I expected with the LS6 IM. I think it (90/90) really shines on the bigger cube motors or the max build 346's but on a milder car like mine I think the LS6 may be a better bang for buck. Also who knows, another day or another dyno I may make 430+. I am still working out some driveline issues and now need new tires before the DR's go on so I don't have any track times yet. Maybe fuel rails and 36#ers would have helped me out too?? Just my .02

c5_ls1_6spd

iTrader: (-1)

im making high 4XX rwhp with PRC LS6 heads

rocksws6

iTrader: (4)

You don't mean 436whp do you?

john563

iTrader: (17)

I'm an A4 with a similar sized cam with tsp stage 2.5 5.3 heads and put down 435rwhp 407rwt
mods are: Tsp 5.3 heads,pat g custom 232/238 6xx 6xx 111+2lsa,ported fast 90/90, TCi ssf 3500stall,hedman lt headers/ory,dynomouth

hope this helps,or gives you an idea what you will get with tsp heads,and the size cam you have

TXZ28LS1

iTrader: (5)

it is really tough to beat the TSP PRC heads for the price!! been eyein those 5.3 heads as well.

Midnight02

iTrader: (8)

There's no disputing that the AFR 205's will perform better than the PRC "as cast" heads. At the end of the day, what matters the most is what you're looking to accomplish with your car.

That being said, I went with the PRC Stage 2.5 5.3L heads milled down to 60 cc. I saved a little over $1,100 with this setup (vs. the AFR's) and then I used the cash for my N2O kit. In this case, going with a budget head provided the N/A performance I was looking for (440 rwhp and 408 rwtq with a mild cam) and it gave me a N2O setup that should be good to knock almost a full second off my 1/4 mile times at the track.

At the end of the day, I'm glad I didn't spend the extra $1,100 for an extra 10 - 20 rwhp from a head swap.

ss2000

iTrader: (45)

i put 456 down with prc ls6 2.5's. they are milled to 59cc with the ms4, hooker long tubes, non-ported f.a.s.t.90 setup and elec. water pump . car is a 6 speed with a strange 12 bolt.

red_ryderSS

iTrader: (1)

To the OP, what kind of numbers, track times, and driveability are you looking for.

matt1289

Make 436hp and 430 torque with another head and a cam the size I have. If you are going to say some heads with a fast 90 or 92 set-up I will be adding that at some point as well.

ShevrolayZ28

iTrader: (4)

I think money is well spent when it comes to heads. I have AFRs and have no regrets but if I were to do it again I would consider giving TFS a try.

rocksws6

iTrader: (4)

I don't know about a similar cam, most people don't run cams that small. But 440 whp wouldn't be hard to attain with some ported factory castings. The torque is impressive though, I'll give you that.

AaronR

iTrader: (8)

Keep in mind you are not only paying more for a head that can make considerably more power but also quality .Look at a PRC or whatever budget head and then an AFR or ET head.The difference is obvious and you will understand why good heads are not in the 1k range.

Paint_It_Black

iTrader: (1)

Exactly, you cannot produce as high of a quality head for so cheap. The time and tooling it takes to port a head is substantial. These things cost a lot of money.

As a wise man once said, "I'd rather not lose money on every sale but make it up in volume."

KingSS

iTrader: (1)

Im making 475 rwhp with my tsp 5.3l heads, not too bad for $1200.

Paint_It_Black

iTrader: (1)

Then maybe you'd be making 500+ with a better set of heads?

KingSS

iTrader: (1)

I doubt that, its not every car that can make that kind of hp. You are saying i could pick up another 25hp from an AFR or TFS head. You sure talk a lot of **** on stock casting heads when you have some of your own. Why don't you have AFR heads? I know I dont because they cost $2300! 475 hp vouches for itself, ive seen many AFR headed cars make much less.

KingSS

iTrader: (1)

My car also a daily driven pump gas car, no milling done on the heads with stock GM MLS head gaskets.