LS6 Heads
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
Is that it? Surely there is a better way to tell, otherwise you could pull the wool over peoples eyes on this. A set of yellow valve springs can be had for a few bucks, turning a $300 set of LS2 heads into a much more expensive pair 
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
Okay, we're good on the valves... that's the whole reason behind asking on how to visually identify them. I've read much info on how they are superior to the ls2 version because of the weight differences. Supposedely they are more stable in the high RPMs and prevent valve float. But if there is no way to visually identify them, then its pretty much an integrity thing on the seller to honestly disclose what vehicle they came off of.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
That just freakin sucks. No, dammit, I refuse to believe that there's no way to tell. There has to be a "trained eye" out there somewhere... even if its a tip like "look for a casting tab to the left of the whatever" it would be helpfull. Last edited by KurtRardin; Aug 15, 2008 at 09:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
Eh, well I guess that sums it up. I was perfectly content with purchasing any ol' set of 243 heads a few days ago until when I stumbled upon a thread talking about 243 heads from 2004 or 2005 I think. Patriot and PredatorZ were in there talking up the Z06 version with sodium valves and how they were far superior to the regular LS2 head. But, I guess in the end it doesnt really matter. You can find 243 heads goin for $350 sometimes. A way to tell if they were '03 and '04 Z06 heads would be sweet, as the valves cost about $500 by them self... or such was the case a few years ago. Z06 heads for $350 would really be a smokin' deal. But, I guess the only place it really mattered is when you're talkin about how sweet the parts on your car are. "oh yeah? well I've got sodium filled exhaust valves!"
Eh, well I guess that sums it up. I was perfectly content with purchasing any ol' set of 243 heads a few days ago until when I stumbled upon a thread talking about 243 heads from 2004 or 2005 I think. Patriot and PredatorZ were in there talking up the Z06 version with sodium valves and how they were far superior to the regular LS2 head. But, I guess in the end it doesnt really matter. You can find 243 heads goin for $350 sometimes. A way to tell if they were '03 and '04 Z06 heads would be sweet, as the valves cost about $500 by them self... or such was the case a few years ago. Z06 heads for $350 would really be a smokin' deal. But, I guess the only place it really mattered is when you're talkin about how sweet the parts on your car are. "oh yeah? well I've got sodium filled exhaust valves!"
Well did Patriot and Predator Z say the heads were better only because of the valves??? They would know more than me about it, and yes the LS6 valves are longer, based on the research I have done the Z06 uses longer valves and a smaller base circle cam so you still end up using 7.40" pushrods.
I weighed the valves to confirm. I would much rather have lightweight valves if it is an option.
And could you please post a link to the thread you are referring too? I would love to read up on it.
For whats its worth I just picked up a set of Z06 heads and cam from an 03 for 300 dollars, so I got Z06 heads for under 300. Found them on craigslist.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
Sure thing dude. I'll see if I can find it. But yeah, the overall theme of the thread was that a regular old set of 243s are okay, but not nearly as good as Z06 heads. They help limit valve float in the high rpm's.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville, GA
Okay I was wrong about the dates, it was from '08. https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...ight=243+heads
thanks for the link
There's a difference between the visual appearance of the exhaust valve faces - versus the standard exhaust valve, the sodium version has a narrower "ring" where the tulip shape flattens out near the perimeter. If you were to take note of the valve face shape of a standard exhaust valve, you will easily be able to tell the sodium valve apart from it.
Also, to clear some confusion, the LS6 valves are approx. 0.030" longer than the standard valves.
Also, to clear some confusion, the LS6 valves are approx. 0.030" longer than the standard valves.
There's a difference between the visual appearance of the exhaust valve faces - versus the standard exhaust valve, the sodium version has a narrower "ring" where the tulip shape flattens out near the perimeter. If you were to take note of the valve face shape of a standard exhaust valve, you will easily be able to tell the sodium valve apart from it.
Also, to clear some confusion, the LS6 valves are approx. 0.030" longer than the standard valves.
Also, to clear some confusion, the LS6 valves are approx. 0.030" longer than the standard valves.
I want to see a picture comparision to understand what that meant, if someone wants to do it, I have the Z06 valves I can contirbute the pics of those.