Help with head casting to run
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2017
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Help with head casting to run Hi All, First time caller long time listener or something like that. I have a 6.2 L86 I plan on putting in my 2011 avalanche. I have a ls9 cam, and yellow ls2 valve springs on the shelf. My decision becomes what heads do I run. the factory 823 or a set of 243 that I also have on the shelf. Plan on long tubes when I swap it in, and already have HPtuners on the truck, so tuning wont be a problem. I have everything to go either way with the heads just cant decide what casting I want to go with. It is my daily, but I beat the thing daily. I know the 243 makes a little more power under 4k but I am cheap and don't want to buy head gaskets and head bolts/studs lol. just don't know how much performance I will loose under 4k. Truck has 6l80 with leveling kit and CAI. No plans on boost in future just looking to have a little more kick in the ***. I can appreciate everyone's opinion because it might be an angle I have never looked at before so please give me your 2 cents. THANKS
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,298
Likes: 3,619
From: Central Cal.
With stock static CR at 11.5 on your engine, I wouldn't fool with the 243 heads. You'd get higher static (which you don't need) and less flow. Personally, I'd go with something like a 218/226 116 with enough advance to get you to around a 8.2 DCR. Not too big to be a drag around town, but big enough to provide a nice bump in power. Agree with the above about the LS9 cam. The only thing good about it is the price. It doesn't fit your program.
TECH Addict
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 467
After my experience stick with the 243 heads and give them a good cnc port job.
These will give you more usuable power everywhere
especially in a truck that needs the extra punch in the low and mid range rpms. You will also have better throttle response and under the curve power which makes for a fun and fast street vehicle.
These will give you more usuable power everywhere
especially in a truck that needs the extra punch in the low and mid range rpms. You will also have better throttle response and under the curve power which makes for a fun and fast street vehicle.
