port and polish heads or new?

[kylekinnamon1989]

yes, i know there are 1.2 million other threads out there on this subject but everybody's goals, application and budgets are different. ive got a 2000 camaro with an ls1. i just picked up a set of 5.3l heads for $100.
a port, polish, valve job and head bolts is gonna cost $750. i want to go aftermarket on valves and springs thats ~$300. so im looking at about $1150 for heads not installed. or i can buy brands new ones. but these 5.3 heads on an ls1 bumps up the compression a little so im not sure which route to take. my goals are around 450rwhp with heads, cam and intake. im not rich so i cant afford to buy $2500 afr heads.
to sum it up. should i build these 5.3 heads or buy some 243's or just spend $1500 on some decent new heads? also, what would be a decent cam to go with it? thanks in advanced.

[jakez28]

5.3s flow nicely when ported, IF done correctly. Your goals are attainable with the ported 5.3 heads. Hard to tell what cam to go with cause I dont know what you want to do with the car. Call up a reputable shop and tell them what exactly you want to do with your setup and they will be able to help you from there. Do it once, do it right. Well at least for the most part