heads: LS1 to LS6

**tav8ws6** · 04-27-2009, 08:37 PM

Upon upgrading my heads from LS1s to LS6s, can parts such as pushrods and rocker arms be re-used from one head to the other? I know all bolts should replaced. Thanks!

**Pony_Eater** · 04-27-2009, 08:45 PM

im in the same boat

**mark21742** · 04-27-2009, 08:55 PM

rockers, springs, retainers and pushrods can be swaped between the heads, but hardened pushrods are recomended.
just check your lash when swaping the pushrods

**67rsss** · 04-28-2009, 06:40 AM

You can re-use the rockers, but you really should replace the pushrods. I would go with the LS6 springs.

**Marc 85Z28** · 04-28-2009, 07:01 AM

Pushrods MUST be replaced. The LS6 uses a different length valve than the LS1.

**mark21742** · 04-28-2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by Marc 85Z28

Pushrods MUST be replaced. The LS6 uses a different length valve than the LS1.

that's why I said check the lash, even with the same make of heads you never know if some had work done to them.
I didn't know the ls6 used a different lenght valve.

**tav8ws6** · 04-28-2009, 11:28 AM

Is the lash the length of the pushrod? what is the LS6's stock lash(length?). thats all would need for the swap it seems? thanks for the help

**mark21742** · 04-28-2009, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by tav8ws6

Is the lash the length of the pushrod? what is the LS6's stock lash(length?). thats all would need for the swap it seems? thanks for the help

lash is the gap between the rocker and the valve stem with the valve closed. the lenght of the pushrod determines your lash.

**tav8ws6** · 04-28-2009, 07:46 PM

so then i should just go to a dealership and get stock LS6 (243) pushrods and bolts and ill be good to go...AND gaskets!

**Marc 85Z28** · 04-29-2009, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by tav8ws6

so then i should just go to a dealership and get stock LS6 (243) pushrods and bolts and ill be good to go...AND gaskets!

No, not LS6 pushrods. In addition to the different length valves, the LS6 uses a cam on a smaller base circle. The pushrods you need will not be any GM standard replacement. Install everything and measure for the pushrod you need, then order them.

**side2000** · 04-29-2009, 07:36 AM

what marc said. get a pushrod length checker outta jegs and use that to determine your actual length. you can actually find pushrods for the ls1-ls6 swap straight off of slp and other distributors, but the tool is cheap and good to have layin around the shop.

if you are just swapping ls1 to ls6 heads with factory cam you are going to be disappointed. if i were you, i'd do some work to the ls6 castings you have acquired and get a cam to match. at least get a cam.

**tav8ws6** · 04-29-2009, 04:52 PM

dont worry, at the very least i would get an LS6 cam. Or a cam off of texas speed's site. a 30 or 40 rwhp one. what ever will work with the stock LS6 heads best without sacrificing much.

**side2000** · 04-30-2009, 10:01 AM

if you dont plan on doing any work to the ls6 heads, it would be cheaper to port your ls1s and will yield much better results than the ls6.

**tav8ws6** · 04-30-2009, 12:14 PM

i hear about porting all the time but i dont know exactly what it does. and valve jobs compliment the porting?

**c5z28** · 04-30-2009, 12:17 PM

Just don't port yourself, milling would be a cheaper route and gain more power since you won't have a cam.

**tav8ws6** · 04-30-2009, 12:18 PM

oh no, i will have a cam. I just havent decided what cam yet.

**c5z28** · 04-30-2009, 12:21 PM

what are your approximate power goals and power curve?

**tav8ws6** · 04-30-2009, 12:26 PM

Im not a know it all, but when I am all said and done, close to 400 to the wheels. Nothing too extreme. I will take it to the track for fun. I dont know what my curve should look like.

**c5z28** · 04-30-2009, 12:33 PM

A 228 and ls-6 heads should get you there or real close. A local here w/ the 224 and stock ls-6 heads made 392hp. Might look into finding a local recommended head shop and see how much it would cost to mill the heads down to 62cc, 60cc to up the compression.

**tav8ws6** · 04-30-2009, 12:38 PM

hmmm...i was thinking a 224 would be optimal, and the 228 possibly (?) too extreme. but i dont know for sure. i wont be doing headers just yet, but will in the future.

doing work on the heads is a good idea. i think milling is shrinking the combustion chamber, but i dont know what porting is or what valve jobes (3-5 angle)?