Tech Tip: Relatively cheap power
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FormerVendor
Joined: May 2004
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From: Portland Oregon
Tech Tip: Relatively cheap power Title says it all......well sorta. What I mean is that with relatively cheap parts one can make pretty decent power. Using a set of USED LS6 heads that were totally untouched other than upgraded springs and retainers and a good wash job to remove unwanted carbon build up, a smallish camshaft with 228 degrees of intake duration and the addition of a set of American Racing Headers with CATs. I was able to gain 86 WHP and 49 WTQ. The mule is a 2004 LS1 C5 Convertible. Gaining this power was breathing through a stock air box and a PAPER ELEMENT, and an untouch throttle body and the stock LS6 intake.
When I said cheap, I meant that anyone can just bolt on a set of used GM LS6 heads, add headers and a cam and get a real decent power gains. Used LS6 heads are available from $350 and up, this particular set was purchased by the owner from an earlier custome for $450 with only 25K miles on them. I doubt a set of higher priced aftermarket heads such as Trickflows or AFRs would have made much more if any more power. Not to mention for the DIY'er this is cheap power. If you have a shop do it, well its still cheap considering the price of the parts vs $2k + for AFR and other similar aftermarket heads.
When I said cheap, I meant that anyone can just bolt on a set of used GM LS6 heads, add headers and a cam and get a real decent power gains. Used LS6 heads are available from $350 and up, this particular set was purchased by the owner from an earlier custome for $450 with only 25K miles on them. I doubt a set of higher priced aftermarket heads such as Trickflows or AFRs would have made much more if any more power. Not to mention for the DIY'er this is cheap power. If you have a shop do it, well its still cheap considering the price of the parts vs $2k + for AFR and other similar aftermarket heads.
Last edited by tjwong; Mar 13, 2009 at 01:50 AM.
Nice job Tom! I went the same route with heads. I bought some 317s for $325 & had Mike hog em out for me. I got about $1500 total in them, and would have payed twice that for name brands with the same stuff.
Thread Starter
FormerVendor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 247
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From: Portland Oregon
Here is a pic of the mules engine compartment as I degreed the camshaft in. This engine was in excellent shape, the pistons was in pristine shape after the carbon was chemically cleaned. I love my new cam degreeing tool, makes checking cam installation a breeze in any car or truck. With this cam the indicated intake lobe centerline is 108.6 degrees, spec for this particular cam is 109, not to shabby
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Thread Starter
FormerVendor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
12 Second Club
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
I'm thinkin about lookin for a cheap set of 243's... the 241's on mine had so much carbon build up I think even after cleaning it some of the valves aren't sealing all the way. still getting random misfires and need to change the O2's out again. I've welded up the cutouts they're causing too much trouble with fueling and O2's misreading. If anyone gets a line on a pair for $400 or less for LS6 heads let me know.
Thread Starter
FormerVendor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 247
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From: Portland Oregon
Had I had the opportunity to install a set of CNC ported LS6 heads and port the intake and TB or add a FAST 90/90 I am willing to bet the numbers would have exceeded 440+
