Well i found an ls6 intake for 300 bux and got it. Probly gunna work on the heads next since they are the most expensive.

 

I suspect that you'll find that you can purchase a set of already-ported LS6 heads for less money than you could get a set yourself and pay to have them ported.

 

So with the ls6 intake, qtp headers and catted y pipe going into a 3" exhaust i could use either ported 5.3 or ported LS6 heads to achieve my goal. what would be the difference in the 2

 

They say the 5.3L heads are better for bumping up the lower-mid torque in a smaller horsepower application; the runners are smaller I think and the combustion chambers have less volume, boosting compression. Then again you could always get the LS6 heads milled down a bit to boost the compression as well. LS6 heads flow slightly better, but mostly towards the top end. They are considered mostly with larger cams that move more air.

 

What would be considered a smaller horsepower application

 

<450-500rwhp. I think the LS6 heads would be better if you were going forced induction. The larger combustion chambers keep compression at a manageable level with FI and slightly better flow helps out too.

Just noticed you were in NC. What part? I could show you what I did to mine with the 5.3 heads and a mild-moderate size cam like you mentioned putting in.

 

Not sure if it makes a difference or not but keep in mind I'm probably going to add nitrous to this setup at some point down the road. I already have the kit i just need the supporting mods. I'm on Camp Lejeune

 

Ahh, thats a ways away.

Nitrous works well with the added compression of 5.3 heads. I've read that its best to have a cam with slightly larger exhaust duration than intake for nitrous, but you don't really have to pick a "nitrous specific" cam unless your kit is going to be putting over 150 hp shots under the hood. I'll be picking up my 150hp kit next weekend as well; pretty excited about that. It will work well with either set of heads though.

You won't see much of an improvement in either set over the other honestly...might as well go with whatever is cheapest when you're looking at buying them.