Help with picking out heads

**jcombs6337** · 11-09-2008, 04:28 AM

Hey guys got a question that I need help with. I have a 2001 Trans Am that I have just got done putting LTs, cam, pushrods, and springs in. Now I have found out that I have a lifter going bad. I am going to put in the LS7 lifters, but I figure that while I am tore down to that point, I might as well put some better heads on. One guy told me that I could slap on some heads with the casting number 243, just take the springs and pushrods off what I have now. What is my best option with a cam that is 228/232? Also it is a limited budget especially since I just got done doing this work. I want HP gains, but I want something that is inexpensive and doesn't require reworking things. I really don't understand all the numbers and things about heads. Thanks for the help.

**ls1camino** · 11-09-2008, 07:09 AM

243 Casting are the LS6 Heads, I think. They'll bump up your compression a little bit, and since you already have a cam, you'll see some noticeable gains. If you want to do it "right" you'll save up a little more money and buy some PRC or Patriot Ported Stage 2 Heads...they flow a lot better and will give you a lot better gains then just stock heads...the catch is that they're budget heads, meaning that they are NOT the best, but still work perfectly for people who don't have a ton of money to throw into their cars.

Lurk in the For Sale sections here, on LS1Tech, corvette forums, etc....you'll find some awesome deals...I just bought (Thursday) some CNC Ported and Milled Stage 2 Patriot 5.3L Heads for $350 ($1200 new). Just give it time and deals pop up, and this is the best time of the year too, cause people are starting their winter projects and used parts are up for sale.

**jcombs6337** · 11-09-2008, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the help. So I don't need to worry about valve to piston clearance for what I am doing?

**ls1camino** · 11-09-2008, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by jcombs6337

Hey, thanks for all the help. Will those heads work with what I have without modification? Is that a good price? Thanks again.

Responding to your PM...

5.3L, LS1, and LS6 Heads all fit on the LS1 Block...usually the LS6 and 5.3L Heads are used for budget performance. Here are the flow numbers:

5.3:
.300 208
.400 257
.500 290
.600 312

LS6:
.100" 72
.200" 142
.300" 205
.400" 255
.500" 286
.600" 305
.650" 310

Originally Posted by jcombs6337

Thanks for the help. So I don't need to worry about valve to piston clearance for what I am doing?

No, unless you have a ridiculously large cam.