404 ls2: stock l92 vs. high dollar heads
07-13-2010, 10:12 AM
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404 ls2: stock l92 vs. high dollar heads I have a forged 404 that currently has: stock ls1 heads, ls6 intake, torquer v3 cam.
I figure I can switch to an l92 setup (stock heads, possibly milled to maintain 11.5 compression), with l76 intake, suitable cam, etc for around 1000$. I have nitrous so I think that the l92 heads will be fine and maybe spray when i absolutely need to win a race.
I feel like any reasonable head setup would cost me 2000+ with additional need for a fast 90/90 and a different cam as well. I am a grad student and don't think it would be a good idea to take that much money out on loans.
The ls1 heads are restricting performance a lot. I put down 430/450 rw.
I think 500/500 is possible with a properly setup l92 setup. Do you think i will be happy with the l92s as opposed to some high dollar heads?
Also, when setting up the l92s, do the type of valves matter much? I notice that a lot of heads are bare so i would need to acquire valves. Any input on which ones to pick or are stock valves just fine?
I figure I can switch to an l92 setup (stock heads, possibly milled to maintain 11.5 compression), with l76 intake, suitable cam, etc for around 1000$. I have nitrous so I think that the l92 heads will be fine and maybe spray when i absolutely need to win a race.
I feel like any reasonable head setup would cost me 2000+ with additional need for a fast 90/90 and a different cam as well. I am a grad student and don't think it would be a good idea to take that much money out on loans.
The ls1 heads are restricting performance a lot. I put down 430/450 rw.
I think 500/500 is possible with a properly setup l92 setup. Do you think i will be happy with the l92s as opposed to some high dollar heads?
Also, when setting up the l92s, do the type of valves matter much? I notice that a lot of heads are bare so i would need to acquire valves. Any input on which ones to pick or are stock valves just fine?
07-13-2010, 11:47 AM
#2
Along with the cost of the heads and a suitable rectangular port camshaft grind, you have to factor in the offset rockers and lifters plus a rect. port intake. So by the time you add up the cost it gets close to a set of good heads but with a set of good heads you would need a FAST intake.
Either way you can't go wrong. I'm personally going with a set of L92 heads that will be upgraded with a set of LS3 valves from TSP.
Either way you can't go wrong. I'm personally going with a set of L92 heads that will be upgraded with a set of LS3 valves from TSP.
07-13-2010, 12:45 PM
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Offset rockers are cheap in the grand scheme of things... $12 each or so, so about $100 for all 8.
So... for L92s, you've got the cost of the heads ($700/pair for brand new LS3s), the intake (LS3 take-offs can be had all day for $300 including injectors), $100 for the offset rockers, and another $20-ish for the rocker pedestals.
For new heads, you get the cost of the heads ($2k), the cost of the FAST intake ($1k), and perhaps larger injectors? all else can be reused.
In both cases you would probably want a cam specifically suited to your application, plus you'd need head gaskets and the like.
Overall, the LS3s seem like the clear choice from a budget standpoint.
So... for L92s, you've got the cost of the heads ($700/pair for brand new LS3s), the intake (LS3 take-offs can be had all day for $300 including injectors), $100 for the offset rockers, and another $20-ish for the rocker pedestals.
For new heads, you get the cost of the heads ($2k), the cost of the FAST intake ($1k), and perhaps larger injectors? all else can be reused.
In both cases you would probably want a cam specifically suited to your application, plus you'd need head gaskets and the like.
Overall, the LS3s seem like the clear choice from a budget standpoint.
07-13-2010, 01:12 PM
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no personal experience here (yet), but my understanding is that they are. There are scores of LS3 cars making 500 RWHP with the stock injectors. What I don't know is how far beyond that number they can safely support. I expect my motor to be approaching the 520-540 number (potentially), so it's something I need to learn.
07-13-2010, 01:14 PM
#7
no personal experience here (yet), but my understanding is that they are. There are scores of LS3 cars making 500 RWHP with the stock injectors. What I don't know is how far beyond that number they can safely support. I expect my motor to be approaching the 520-540 number (potentially), so it's something I need to learn.
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07-13-2010, 10:54 PM
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I have a LS3 416 in my vette. I use the L92 heads, but ported, milled with solid valves. I also use the stock LS3 intake, and a medium size cam. I made 480/480 on a mustang dyno at 80 degrees outside with a 4.10 gear and huge wheels and tires. Best ET and trap has been a 10.9@129.8 in the midwest where cars dont run as well as other areas...
Bottom line, I love my L92's. Although I paid 1600 for mine with the valves, springs, and machine work on them.
Bottom line, I love my L92's. Although I paid 1600 for mine with the valves, springs, and machine work on them.
07-15-2010, 04:22 PM
#12
high dollar heads cost for a reason. People can tell you what ever. I have had the high dollar heads and i have ported l92's now. People get so excited about the lower cost of the l92 and the flow numbers. I can tell you they can make a head flow what ever to look good and sell. but do they really out perform the trick flow and AFR heads? Not to me having had both. I gained 5 tenths removing my cnc ported ls1 heads from a top sponsor and going to a afr head. No matter what I say someone will always say the l92's are this and that,ect. Call a shop like vengeance racing and see what they have done,talk to other's who have had both,look around this site for results of both heads and what you're looking for the car to do. then make a choice.If you're broke then a l92 head may be good for you. I'm not saying l92's are junk(i have them now)just saying i feel they don't perform as well as the others. for a stock head they do wonders. Me having had both high dollar $2,300 heads and l92's,I can tell you I am thinking real hard about removing the l92's for some trickflow 235 heads. Remember the old saying....you get what you pay for. Goodluck to ya.
Last edited by mike c.; 07-15-2010 at 07:29 PM.
07-15-2010, 06:31 PM
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Ive flowed several sets from different porters.
I would rate them in this order (best first) based on our independent results, BUT factor price in because you can sometimes save $ on a head that is "almost" as good if you are on a budget
1) WCCH (West Coast Cylinder Head)
2) Total Engine Airflow
3) PRC
07-16-2010, 01:28 PM
#17
The L92 is an awesome head. I'm going from AFR's to L92's so I'll let you guys know exactly how the difference is in about 2-3 weeks. As far as I'm concerned for the ~$1500+ of Tricks or AFR's over a ported L92 its well worth saving the money. Will you be a few ponies under a huge cam cathedral port head? Maybe, but the car will have much better driving characters as well. I'll post numbers when I'm done with my new set up.
07-16-2010, 04:33 PM
#18
Ive flowed several sets from different porters.
I would rate them in this order (best first) based on our independent results, BUT factor price in because you can sometimes save $ on a head that is "almost" as good if you are on a budget
1) WCCH (West Coast Cylinder Head)
2) Total Engine Airflow
3) PRC
I would rate them in this order (best first) based on our independent results, BUT factor price in because you can sometimes save $ on a head that is "almost" as good if you are on a budget
1) WCCH (West Coast Cylinder Head)
2) Total Engine Airflow
3) PRC
07-17-2010, 01:26 AM
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WKMCD, I saw you did stock l92 heads in this post:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...b-c-d-e-f.html
The results seem kind of dissapointing to me, kinda steering me away from the stock l92s completely. Do you have any input on that? Especially since i made 430/435 on stock ls1 heads.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...b-c-d-e-f.html
The results seem kind of dissapointing to me, kinda steering me away from the stock l92s completely. Do you have any input on that? Especially since i made 430/435 on stock ls1 heads.
07-17-2010, 03:14 AM
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im doing ls3 heads/intake (with factory rails/injectors) on my ls2 402. Fueling is good per my tuner, cam is good for 500hp per ed@flowtech
going cheap and fast this time (selling my old AFRs and 90/90 will fund a good portion of that)
going cheap and fast this time (selling my old AFRs and 90/90 will fund a good portion of that)