Which Heads for my cam

**LeadFarmer** · 02-04-2013, 10:54 AM

So It would seem that ever since my cam swap my engine noise has been getting louder and louder every month, so I think it's time for the lifters to go, and to pick up a set of ls7's. From what I understand, in order to change the lifters you gotta pull the heads, which is expensive-ish for a shop, so if that's going to happen I might as well slap on a decent set of heads. My problem: I have no idea what I'm doing when heads are concerned, I never really researched combos much. I've been looking at a set of 2.5 stage LS6 heads.. any suggestions? Mods in sig

**2002ssslp** · 02-04-2013, 07:35 PM

Try Texas Speed, they have everything you need.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 02-05-2013, 06:13 PM

What makes you believe your noise is from your lifters? Have you verified that?

**LeadFarmer** · 02-06-2013, 09:46 AM

Well it's just from what i've heard. Apparently our motors start to sound like sewing machine when you retain the stock lifters with a larger cam, I don't know how true that is or exactly why. I've heard louder on other lsx cars, and some have told me that it's normal. I know that my stock lifters aren't gonna last all that long. I've been waiting for them to go, been using the time to save up for heads.

Could it be something else?

**98TransAmWs-6** · 02-06-2013, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by LeadFarmer

Well it's just from what i've heard. Apparently our motors start to sound like sewing machine when you retain the stock lifters with a larger cam, I don't know how true that is or exactly why. I've heard louder on other lsx cars, and some have told me that it's normal. I know that my stock lifters aren't gonna last all that long. I've been waiting for them to go, been using the time to save up for heads.

Could it be something else?

I wouldn't wait for them to go if you suspect them going. When lifters go bad they can take the camshaft with it, not always though. But I also wouldn't jump to replacing them if that isn't the problem. It could be improper pushrod length.

***SMWS6TA*** · 02-06-2013, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

What makes you believe your noise is from your lifters? Have you verified that?

Agree, did you get a set of valve springs for that MS3 cam or stayed with the stock ones? MS3/4 cams tend to wear out the valve springs, I've read/hear around 20-25k miles.

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

I wouldn't wait for them to go if you suspect them going. When lifters go bad they can take the camshaft with it, not always though. But I also wouldn't jump to replacing them if that isn't the problem. It could be improper pushrod length.

Also agree.

The 2.5 LS6 heads are pretty good and would go along well your MS3 cam. Another tune will also be needed but that shouldn't be a full tune.

Doing the heads are not too tough, some minor pain but doable in the driveway or garage. Major thing to remember is to chase all the bolt holes for debris and coolant. Leave coolant in the holes and you could end up with a cracked block. Also invest in a push rod checker and wait to order them till the heads are on, otherwise you could be getting a second set of push rods. <<I learn the expensive way.

Like me and Will have recently found out (the hard way) the LS7 lifters are a direct replacement for LS1s however the lifter outside is the same length but the cup position in the LS7 lifter sits higher up then the LS1. Now some guys have gotten away with just using 7.4" rods in and have no issues but thrown in a mill job on the heads or a thicker/thinner head gasket and you could be off.

What ever rod length you need spend a few extra on chrome moly rods.

**LeadFarmer** · 02-06-2013, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Agree, did you get a set of valve springs for that MS3 cam or stayed with the stock ones? MS3/4 cams tend to wear out the valve springs, I've read/hear around 20-25k miles.

Also agree.

The 2.5 LS6 heads are pretty good and would go along well your MS3 cam. Another tune will also be needed but that shouldn't be a full tune.

Doing the heads are not too tough, some minor pain but doable in the driveway or garage. Major thing to remember is to chase all the bolt holes for debris and coolant. Leave coolant in the holes and you could end up with a cracked block. Also invest in a push rod checker and wait to order them till the heads are on, otherwise you could be getting a second set of push rods. <<I learn the expensive way.

Like me and Will have recently found out (the hard way) the LS7 lifters are a direct replacement for LS1s however the lifter outside is the same length but the cup position in the LS7 lifter sits higher up then the LS1. Now some guys have gotten away with just using 7.4" rods in and have no issues but thrown in a mill job on the heads or a thicker/thinner head gasket and you could be off.

What ever rod length you need spend a few extra on chrome moly rods.

I currently have PRC .650 double valve springs, I also have 7.4 chrome moly rods. I just don't really know what it sounds like when lifters starts to go bad, there's no tick, there's just alot of motor noise, and the setup barely has 2k miles on it. Yeh i've heard alot of good about the ls6 2.5 heads. I won't be doing any porting or milling on the heads, so i'm hoping it's all a direct fit, will fly cutting be necessary with those heads?