Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
08-30-2004, 01:23 PM
#1
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Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
Well, sitting infront of me is a TR224/224 cam with stiffer springs and pushrods. Before i attempt to install this i was wondering what would be a good head upgrade? I would love to make 500 to the wheels all motor. cam only should take me to 400. MY question is, which set of heads would suit me best? The heads will be fully ported and polished as well. I would like to use my springs and pushrods i just bought as well.
p.s i plan on running a 100 shot in the future. Thanks in advance for ur inputs.
p.s i plan on running a 100 shot in the future. Thanks in advance for ur inputs.
08-30-2004, 01:37 PM
#2
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
It would be nice to see cam specs including valve timing and lift along with
flow charts for the heads.
Without seeing the specs, I'd bet the LS1 heads are more than enough
for that camshaft.
As for the springs, you did buy the correct type for the lobe profile and
application of the camshaft correct?
flow charts for the heads.
Without seeing the specs, I'd bet the LS1 heads are more than enough
for that camshaft.
As for the springs, you did buy the correct type for the lobe profile and
application of the camshaft correct?
08-30-2004, 03:04 PM
#5
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
LS-6 heads would be a bunch better than LS-1 heads but it depends on how much porting and cam specs
if you don't do a lot of Port Work or have a lot of cam lift/duration
there will be Less difference between the 2
if you don't do a lot of Port Work or have a lot of cam lift/duration
there will be Less difference between the 2
08-30-2004, 05:24 PM
#6
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
well i plan on taking the heads as far as they can go to match the cam (money is not an issue). I am just overall looking for the better performance head, and would it be worth the money. I heard 6 liter heads raise compression which is a good thing, But i don't want any valve to piston clearance problems. Plus i wanna make sure i can still use my springs and pushrods.
08-30-2004, 06:55 PM
#7
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
Drop the the 6.0L heads unless you are going to go forced induction. Why lose compression? Think 5.3L heads for more compression, or stick with LS1/LS6 heads if you are going to spray. You'd be better off calling a shop and telling them your cam specs and asking them what you need. I'm sure TSP, Thunder, MTI and many others can help you out.
To take the heads as far as they can go, you're going to need a lot more cam. Velocity is the key, not high lift flow numbers. Why should you care about how much they flow at .600" when your cam is nowhere near that large? Most people I've seen run that cam with stock heads. They go w/a larger grind when they get ported heads.
I seriously doubt you'll see 500 RWHP all motor with that cam and ported heads. In the Oct Issue of GMHTP, TSP made 449.6 hp and 407.2 lb/ft (after tuning) at the wheels and they were running ported LS6 heads and a cam with 231*/237* duration & .598/.595 in. lift. I've seen an over .6" lift cam in a Vette w/ ported LS1 heads make 450-460 hp. I'm not knocking your cam. Just telling you what to expect now so you won't get discouraged when you don't see 500 whp after its all done. It helps to keep your goals real. On a positive note, you should be able to run 11's with the set up with decent driving & traction.
To take the heads as far as they can go, you're going to need a lot more cam. Velocity is the key, not high lift flow numbers. Why should you care about how much they flow at .600" when your cam is nowhere near that large? Most people I've seen run that cam with stock heads. They go w/a larger grind when they get ported heads.
I seriously doubt you'll see 500 RWHP all motor with that cam and ported heads. In the Oct Issue of GMHTP, TSP made 449.6 hp and 407.2 lb/ft (after tuning) at the wheels and they were running ported LS6 heads and a cam with 231*/237* duration & .598/.595 in. lift. I've seen an over .6" lift cam in a Vette w/ ported LS1 heads make 450-460 hp. I'm not knocking your cam. Just telling you what to expect now so you won't get discouraged when you don't see 500 whp after its all done. It helps to keep your goals real. On a positive note, you should be able to run 11's with the set up with decent driving & traction.
Last edited by Greed4Speed; 08-30-2004 at 07:02 PM.
08-30-2004, 10:16 PM
#8
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
Thunder RAcing sent me all the cam specs. I know what cam it is. I totally understand about the porting to far and such, that why i said "well i plan on taking the heads as far as they can go to match the cam" i am basing my goals off prior knowledge on this forum. My cam has seen 400 RWHP with full bolt ons and my cam of course (tuning as well). my goal of 500hp might be a lil far, but i don't think its totally way off. The question is now, are the LS6 heads worth the upgrade with my cam or should i just stick with my stock heads and get them ported? thanks for the responses.
08-31-2004, 02:33 AM
#9
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
It's pretty hard to hit 500 to the wheels. You might get close if you go with a stage 3 head to raise compression as well you'll need a fast 90mm intake and t-body. Also a underdrive pulley, electric water pump,a monster cam such as the t-rex, and spot on tuning. If you look at the cars that have made 500 stock bottom end they use literally every little thing to squeak out horsepower.
08-31-2004, 04:49 AM
#10
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
I do not believe that 400 at the wheels is the norm for a cam like you have. And I would not expect that you'll see those numbers.
Now if you are committed to that cam then stage 2 LS1 or stage II 5.3 heads will get all that you can get. LS6s would be over kill and money spent unnecessarily. Now if you have any thoughts of upping the cam at a later date then go LS6.
My heads are probably a little small being Stage 1 stock valve LS1 heads for my 228-236 .600+ cam but it does alright. Never dynoed but it pushes my 3510 pound A4 car to 120 in the 1/4.
Now if you are committed to that cam then stage 2 LS1 or stage II 5.3 heads will get all that you can get. LS6s would be over kill and money spent unnecessarily. Now if you have any thoughts of upping the cam at a later date then go LS6.
My heads are probably a little small being Stage 1 stock valve LS1 heads for my 228-236 .600+ cam but it does alright. Never dynoed but it pushes my 3510 pound A4 car to 120 in the 1/4.
08-31-2004, 06:23 AM
#11
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
to hit 500rwhp all engine is not an easy goal and is tough to do on stock displacement, not impossible, just tough and to do it takes a large cam. you will not hit 500rwhp with that cam, it is a great street strip cam but at best wll get you maybe to 450ish, the norm with good stage 2 heads is 415-430.
for your best setup with that cam I would probably suggest stage 2 5.3L heads, unless you plan to upgrade later then look at LS6 or LS6 style heads.
you also need to start planning on a 12bolt to put that power to the ground.
for your best setup with that cam I would probably suggest stage 2 5.3L heads, unless you plan to upgrade later then look at LS6 or LS6 style heads.
you also need to start planning on a 12bolt to put that power to the ground.
08-31-2004, 11:06 AM
#12
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Re: Which heads? LS1, LS6, or 6.0L?
Al, thunder racing advertised the cam at 400hp with the same bolt ons i have. Plus there have been numerous people reaching 400 on this board alone. I realize its a street cam and nothing to agreesive. The car is still a daily driver.
5.3 heads seem to be the way to go. Although i rather have my machinest do the porting and polishing (he does a real nice job, well known as well). How much do bare 5.3 heads go for? Will my valves, retainers, pushrods, springs, and rockers work with them? I would love to raise the compression a lil to try and get some extra hp. Even if i don't reach 500 wheel with the heads and cam, i def wanna make sure i am above that with nitrious.
thanks so far for all the replies.
5.3 heads seem to be the way to go. Although i rather have my machinest do the porting and polishing (he does a real nice job, well known as well). How much do bare 5.3 heads go for? Will my valves, retainers, pushrods, springs, and rockers work with them? I would love to raise the compression a lil to try and get some extra hp. Even if i don't reach 500 wheel with the heads and cam, i def wanna make sure i am above that with nitrious.
thanks so far for all the replies.
