mac62989

iTrader: (1)

From AIs site pertaining to their High Compression 219cc 241s, "Typical gains for this CNC work are in the 40-55rwhp SAE range over the as cast 241, and 346cid LS1's can manage 440-470rwhp SAE with bolt ons and one of our daily drivable HR cam grinds".

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

me to

1bigoldman

Please excuse my ignorance. Who is AI?

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

Advanced Induction, a sponsor on here.

http://www.advancedinduction.com/index.php

1bigoldman

Thanks, I'm new to the LSx world. I cannot wait to get my car put together so i can experience it.

smokeshow72

Phil at AI says my heads are going on the machine this week; I'll post photos of the machine work when they come back.

C

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Can you tell us what hp # he gave you on the 241 heads?

OP did you make your choice yet?

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

Their website gives you pretty good ranges on what each of their packages will net. When I talked to Phil on specifics about 243s his numbers were within the range listed on the site with very mild cams..

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

5.3s and send them to AI

smokeshow72

I didn't bother to ask because, honestly, I am not interested in paper horsepower. I like the look of AI's work and I know a couple of guys who have experienced good things with AI porting jobs so I just packed the heads up and shipped them.

We made a concerted effort to get the car on the dyno before we touched anything so we'd know where we really started. When we get the car put back together I will post a detailed list of what is in the car now and what the power figures are.

C

USMC5811

iTrader: (2)

I think im going to do the TSP heads, mostly because i dont want to risk buying heads that might have issues and then having to send them off after receiving them. Just buying new heads straight from TSP seems a lot easier/safer.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

You know you can buy new 243s from AI? It really depends on your budget but if you want to make power go with AI.

smokeshow72

There are really good guys at both Texas Speed and Advanced Induction; I think it would be very difficult for you to go wrong.

My advice, should you want it:

1) Be realistic about your goals and hopes for the car, but don't lowball yourself. Spending, say, two grand now to get 400 RWHP only to have to do it all over again in a couple of years because you want more power, sucks. If you want to run tens, a 228R and ported 853s aren't going to get you there.

2) Take your time and ask lots of questions. Too many guys screw themselves because they didn't ask questions; "I didn't want to be a pain in their ***" could leave you with a lot of pain in yours.

3) Don't fall victim to "More's Law" of 'while we're in there, I might as well do blah blah blah.' This is a tough one, because we all want to have new everything, but resist the temptation. Spend $500 on upgrades for your new heads and cam instead of replacing perfectly good parts that you never would've touched if the engine wasn't apart.

4) Chevrolet has a ton of the best and brightest engineers in the world and they designed a pretty damned good engine; just because it is aftermarket doesn't make it better.

Good luck and please keep this thread alive; I am very interested to learn of your final decision and the results for your car!

Semper Fi

C

USMC5811

iTrader: (2)

^^^^Thanks for the input and semper fi! Ported 243's from TSP and AI, which ones would be better, or is that kind of a dumb question...

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

I dont doubt TSP at all but I feel that AI will make more power and its still an affordable option. I plan on going with either a 241 or 243 from them matched with a mild cam and a FAST to make some good power without seriously hurting my wallet.

smokeshow72

I know I am a broken record here, but save your money on the FAST; ported stock heads and "mild" cam doesn't call for it IMO

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

Lemons why 5.3s?

USMC5811

iTrader: (2)

so you think the same heads from AI would make more power...?

and why do so many people recommend 5.3's ported...wouldnt a bigger 6.0 head make more power....

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

I cant speak on 5.3 heads but I will dig up a thread of a guy running AI 5.3 heads that he used to replace an aftermarket head and made more power.

I have never followed many TSP builds but with whatever you do, have TSP match a cam with their heads or if you go AI have them match a cam to their heads. IMO its the best potential for power. I personally just feel AI knows their **** and Ive seen great results from them with 241s, 243s, and 5.3s.

Check this out: https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...-gm-5-3-a.html

777

iTrader: (21)

No, the main difference in these heads are the combustion chamber size. 5.3L will raise compression, 6.0L will drop compression. The chamber size on the head and the bore of the engine do not have to line up (which is why these heads are interchangeable)

Since the bore size is what is changing and you aren't removing material by means of milling the heads you are increasing the compression without decreasing the clearance between the pistons and valves (which is what normally happens when you increase compression) This is why it's a great choice. Increased compression but can still run just as large of a cam as you could with the stock heads.