The search function won't allow me to do a search for "23 degree" so I gotta ask.

What does it take to switch over to a 23 degree setup. From what I understand the head choices and possibilities are pretty much endless. I read that the 23 degree heads have to be converted for reverse flow....what changes do they make to the heads? Can the LT1 rockers be used? Looking for pics or any explanations that may be out there.


Thanks

 

You already have 23º heads.

The LTx heads and all production 1st and 2nd gen heads are 23º. The conversion allows the use of any head from the 1st gen lineup but is it necessary to meeting your performance goals??? Dunno... what are your goals??

-Mindgame

 

Just lurking around looking for ideas on the next combo right now. Imagine that..I haven't finished putting the current combo together yet and I'm already looking at options for the next round. I've seen rumbling of a few going this route and wasn't sure what the hype is all about. Is it just to have more options on head choices or is there a specific gain to be had? More header choices?

Won't really know my goal for the next round til I see what this one puts down. This should put me in reach of 10's if the stock bottom holds long enough.

all that and just a little mind expansion on the subject.

 

Well, I think you have the jist of it... its all about options. I think for me, it would come down to "what kinda deal can I find". Cause AFR makes a really nice 23º head and they have you covered for just about any 23º LTx build, mild to wild.

If I came across a great deal on a set of Brodix -10s or say a set of Pro Action heads (just examples). I might do a little calculating to see if the purchase price + conversion is worth it or not. Chances are it might be... and then again, it might not. That's how I'd weigh it out. But having a head with offset intake and exhaust valves and raised runners is a win win situation whichever route you go. Just make sure you know which components are needed to make them work (homework).

I'd personally buck up and do the conversion on a set of race heads, but that's only if I were out to build the most hp I could get. This can also help in building a very strong street motor with a milder cam profile. But it isn't an inexpensive build.

-Mindgame

 

I'm in 100% agreement with you. Right now I'm just doing the homework. If someone tells me they have a set of gen1 or gen2 race heads for a decent price I'd like to know if they could be of any use to me. The next combo is pretty far out unless I suffer catastrophic failure with this one. Thanks for the info you're always a great help.

 

Just do your homework and ask lots of questions. Best bet is finding an engine builder who has an intimate understanding of the ideosyncrasies of particular race heads. Many people, even performance builders, have very little to no experience with them. A few things to keep in mind....

Pistons are specific to the various valve angle arrangements.

The offset of the lifters requires use of a solid roller cam.

Valves are longer and more expensive.

Intake manifold face angles are not the same as 23º heads.

Shaft rockers are required.

Some heads require special tools to work on. SB2.2 for example has bolts thru the intake port.

Just grazing the surface.....

Do your homework and good luck.

-Mindgame