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85LSXTRUCK 02-08-2019 11:20 AM

LS7 heads or ls3 heads
 
Would a stock set of LS7 heads be better than stock LS3? If so how so?

Smokey B 02-08-2019 01:25 PM

Ls7's if they fit.. Better valve angle with raised runners, also smaller intake port at the face...

Smokey B 02-08-2019 01:40 PM

Added that a lot of BS is involed with heads as most list runner CC, which does not say or tell you anything but how much volume a runner has. Ls7 Mamo heads are 265 cc so are Mast 265 small bore heads and TSP 265 cnc program. All have the same CC runner, yet a different CSA numbers i'm willlng to bet for port size.. Always ask for the CSA not runner CC.

tech@WS6store 02-08-2019 01:41 PM

For most applications and budgets and build use, the ls3 style will work great for 90% of the builds out there.

JakeFusion 02-08-2019 03:04 PM

LS7 is going to make more power. The raised runner, valve spacing, and combustion chamber design all are better with the LS7.

Now, the aftermarket LS3 stuff rolls the valve over, giving you some of the benefits of the raised runner design and the chamber design. The ones that also run LS7 rockers give you the valve spacing as well.

I think the difference between aftermarket LS3 and LS7 stuff is probably 20HP.

GM LS3 to LS7 is a bit more.

But ported GM LS3 heads can do 700rwhp to the tire on a bigger motor with enough cam and E85. I've seen 454s do 700rwhp with AI LS3 heads. Would an LS7 do more? Sure. But if you don't have LS7 heads already, the cost of running aftermarket castings or procuring decent stock castings, fixing them, and porting them is nearly double what ported LS3 castings will run you.

Che70velle 02-09-2019 11:09 AM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20044434)
Added that a lot of BS is involed with heads as most list runner CC, which does not say or tell you anything but how much volume a runner has. Ls7 Mamo heads are 265 cc so are Mast 265 small bore heads and TSP 265 cnc program. All have the same CC runner, yet a different CSA numbers i'm willlng to bet for port size.. Always ask for the CSA not runner CC.

CC is actual runner volume. CSA numbers are something that a lot of aftermarket head guys won’t (or can’t) disclose.
OP is asking about stock castings, not aftermarket.

Smokey B 02-09-2019 09:26 PM

I understand what your saying... Main question is why when cc does nothing but give you the volume. The reason is obvious (there are porters and manufacturers who list CSA and CC numbers), as I know darn well your heads and Mast 265's don't have the same csa. This works with any head, cc may work with the same style head with valves of the same size.Typical most ls7 heads that flow over 400 have a min. CSA of 3.0 or greater * stock Ls3's are around what 3.2, stock Ls7s come in at about 2.8. You can never have to much information

KCS 02-09-2019 09:42 PM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20045093)
I understand what your saying... Main question is why when cc does nothing but give you the volume. The reason is obvious (there are porters and manufacturers who list CSA and CC numbers), as I know darn well your heads and Mast 265's don't have the same csa. This works with any head, cc may work with the same style head with valves of the same size.Typical most ls7 heads that flow over 400 have a min. CSA of 3.0 or greater * stock Ls3's are around what 3.2, stock Ls7s come in at about 2.8. You can never have to much information

Stock LS3’s are more like 2.7 square inches. That’s what mine measured.

Smokey B 02-09-2019 10:00 PM

Cool...remember reading 1 or 2 places listing Ls3 heads as 3.2 might be cnc'ed.

KCS 02-09-2019 10:03 PM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20045107)
Cool...remember reading 1 or 2 places listing Ls3 heads as 3.2 might be cnc'ed.

That is at the port opening, not the venturi.

big hammer 02-15-2019 05:46 PM


Originally Posted by JakeFusion (Post 20044474)
LS7 is going to make more power. The raised runner, valve spacing, and combustion chamber design all are better with the LS7.

Now, the aftermarket LS3 stuff rolls the valve over, giving you some of the benefits of the raised runner design and the chamber design. The ones that also run LS7 rockers give you the valve spacing as well.

I think the difference between aftermarket LS3 and LS7 stuff is probably 20HP.

GM LS3 to LS7 is a bit more.

But ported GM LS3 heads can do 700rwhp to the tire on a bigger motor with enough cam and E85. I've seen 454s do 700rwhp with AI LS3 heads. Would an LS7 do more? Sure. But if you don't have LS7 heads already, the cost of running aftermarket castings or procuring decent stock castings, fixing them, and porting them is nearly double what ported LS3 castings will run you.

I’m not sure I’d risk using factory ls7 castings either

big hammer 02-15-2019 05:53 PM

Ls3 heads are a true hotrodders casting imo

Smokey B 02-16-2019 05:10 AM

Depend on how and Who set the heads up Hammer.....Skipping factory Ls7 valve train - rockers.

Ls7 heads are the Real hot rod racer heads, ls3's are the cast aways for normal everyday use. Decent head for what it is and cost.. Figure your Mast heads are 15 degrees... Funny. You just have a Low laying ls3 port with a better valve angle? Not hating just facts.

Smokey B 02-16-2019 05:15 AM

Runner placement means Nothing on a Wedge head.;)

KCS 02-16-2019 07:56 AM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20048577)
Runner placement means Nothing on a Wedge head.;)

Fake news. It sure matters if the pushrod gets in the way.


Che70velle 02-16-2019 09:09 AM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20048577)
Runner placement means Nothing on a Wedge head.;)

Please explain...

Smokey B 02-16-2019 10:09 AM

Was a smart remark......not to be taken seriously wink, wink

big hammer 02-16-2019 11:04 AM


Originally Posted by Smokey B (Post 20048576)
Depend on how and Who set the heads up Hammer.....Skipping factory Ls7 valve train - rockers.

Ls7 heads are the Real hot rod racer heads, ls3's are the cast aways for normal everyday use. Decent head for what it is and cost.. Figure your Mast heads are 15 degrees... Funny. You just have a Low laying ls3 port with a better valve angle? Not hating just facts.

yup LS3 heads are boss

tech@WS6store 02-16-2019 03:38 PM

Im with Hammer the ls3 is the real hotrodders head.
Its too easily universal to not be considered that. EASILY more budget friendly.
It would work on nearly any 4.000 bore platform and up and makes great power as is with no tootsie rolls involved even. Add in some port work or other magic and they are hard to beat.
That is the name of the game since the 50s.

Smokey B 02-16-2019 06:53 PM

There are a lot of Ls3 blocks or bored over 6.0's that can take a Ls7 head...Most just don't know. You guys are right with the Ls3 heads and the production numbers don't lie.


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