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Pics of LSA Heads.

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Old Jan 27, 2011 | 06:15 PM
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Default Pics of LSA Heads.

I have some raw pictures of an LSA head here on my desk. I believe that alot of head porters can start using this head as a basis for porting, as the bare heads are relatively inexpensive. And by that I mean they are $220. That isnt too bad for a good cyl head.

Normally if you are going to get them machine, it will cut off all the possible flow problems that are there.
The main issue is the vane/step that is in the intake side.
Here are some pics of the heads.



and the valve valley


Chambers



And exhaust port



It does not look like there is alot of problems behind the valve on the seat transition either.
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Old Jan 27, 2011 | 06:51 PM
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John thanks for those pics, but what is the difference those and the Ls3's?
Is there more meat on them for the boost? What valves come with them
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Old Jan 27, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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So they put the 241 head intake bowl in their 2nd most powerful head? Genius
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Old Jan 27, 2011 | 06:58 PM
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John did you guys get my PM about the diff in the new LSX-LS7 Pn's in the 2011 catalog?
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 09:41 AM
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I did not get any PM about that. GM has put out quite a few pns recently that have no cost and no eta, so trying to find out anything about them is really hard to do.

The LSA head is supposed to be thicker on the deck, but is also a diff head casting than the LS9. They use a std size head bolt as well.

Having them ported, they are a cost effective alternative to the LS3 head bare.

They use the same exhaust valve as the LS3, but use a different intake valve. They are still the 2.165 1.59 sizes.

Last edited by Beau@SDPC; Jan 28, 2011 at 10:43 AM.
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by John@Scoggin
Being ported, they are a cost effective alternative to the LS3 head bare.
Wait, are you saying this is a raw casting, and the factory LSA is CNC'd? Or the ones you offer will be CNC'd for the same price as an LS3?

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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:43 AM
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No. I am saying that if you are going to port them. The pictures above def show they are not cnc.

The bare head is a little less than the ls3 bare head is, so it is a better option for keeping cost down when having them sent off and cnc. Alot of customers like to purchase the bare head and build as needed. We do not offer these cnc yet.

I edited my post to make it more clear.
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 11:29 AM
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Is the LSA casting stronger than the LS3/L92 casting ?
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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There is no concrete proof either way. Having the possibly thicker deck, I would say so, but I have not heard an GM reports or cyl head comparison that says 100% that the rumors are true.
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 02:59 PM
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I have a set of the LSA heads at WCCH getting CNC and cut for 1/2'' studs I intend to find out if they will hold up to my F1R!
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 05:30 PM
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I don't remember if the LS3 heads have the stiffening ribs coming off of the rocker stand bosses .
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by v8pwr
I don't remember if the LS3 heads have the stiffening ribs coming off of the rocker stand bosses .
Nice observation, here's a recent picture of my Ls3's

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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 06:40 PM
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I don't think they're a thicker deck. They have a different casting process to make them stronger. The chambers finish texture themselves looks completely different.

"The LSA heads feature a unique “wing” cast into each intake port to promote a swirling motion that blends the pressurized air-fuel charge. The heads are also cast from a premium A356-T6 alloy, which better manages the heat generated in a supercharged engine. A356-T6 pays particular dividends in the thin bridge area between the intake and exhaust valves, where effective heat dissipation is crucial to both performance and long-term durability. Finally, the LSA heads are rotacast. This process rotates the head mold as the molten alloy cools and essentially eliminates porosity, or microscopic pockets of air trapped in the casting. Rotacasting delivers a stronger part that helps maintain performance and structural integrity over the life of the engine."
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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Thanks for clearing that up John. Very interesting option.
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 06:53 PM
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Good info

Originally Posted by Beaflag VonRathburg
I don't think they're a thicker deck. They have a different casting process to make them stronger. The chambers finish texture themselves looks completely different.

"The LSA heads feature a unique “wing” cast into each intake port to promote a swirling motion that blends the pressurized air-fuel charge. The heads are also cast from a premium A356-T6 alloy, which better manages the heat generated in a supercharged engine. A356-T6 pays particular dividends in the thin bridge area between the intake and exhaust valves, where effective heat dissipation is crucial to both performance and long-term durability. Finally, the LSA heads are rotacast. This process rotates the head mold as the molten alloy cools and essentially eliminates porosity, or microscopic pockets of air trapped in the casting. Rotacasting delivers a stronger part that helps maintain performance and structural integrity over the life of the engine."
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 07:01 PM
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I thought I noticed something different about them . I forgot about the Rotocast process . I originally thought they were casting blocks with the same process as well . How can I get these LSA with LS3 valves ? The LS3 heads are being sold @ an awesome price but I'd like to get a set of these castings w/ the lightweight intake valves .
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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so the heads pictured are around 220$ price bare?
they look like they dont have any angles machined in the the seats yet.
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Old Jan 29, 2011 | 12:50 PM
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Why doesn't someone spring the $220 and put it in the bandsaw to see just how thick the deck really is once and for all? I have a giant band saw, and I'll put $20 in the pot.

Andy
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Old Jan 29, 2011 | 01:03 PM
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I had the same thought I have read they are .600+ on the deck but no one has solid proof that I can find. There is no doubt hey are a stronger material and a much.better casting process which was enough for me to try them.
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Old Jan 29, 2011 | 02:51 PM
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Does GM use them finished like this or do they cnc the runners. Do you know the flow as cast?
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