Head/Cam Question

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12-28-2010, 01:12 PM
98TransAmWs-6

Head/Cam Question

I've got a chance to get some ported LS6 heads really cheap. The only thing is they are hand ported, is there anything wrong with getting hand ported heads? Here are the pictures of them:

http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads6.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads5.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads4.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads3.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads2.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...ls6_heads1.jpg

Also I am looking at a few different cams and was wondering if any of these would be good with ls6 ported heads. I am looking at:

Voodoo:
232/238 Valve Lift: .599/.601 LSA: 113
or
227/233 113 lsa +4, .584"/.584"

Torquer 2:
232/234 .595/.598 lsa 114

VRX4:
228/230 .588/.592 112 LSA

VRX5:
236/238 .601/.605 113 LSA

I know pretty much nothing about cams so any information would be helpful my goals right now are pretty much to make a lot of power but I would like to retain its driveability. I don't mind a rough idle just not to the point where it feels like I am having multiple misfires.

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.
12-28-2010, 04:39 PM
blackSS01

Nothing wrong with hand porting. Just make sure if you get them that they are tested for cracks and such by a good machine shop. Nothing worse then buying something of that price range and having them worthless. Do a search about cam threads. There is tons out there and Hi-Po did a write up that helps alot. I went with the Torquer V2 and like it so far, its a top end screamer :D
12-29-2010, 07:43 AM
PFM

Just remember that you'll need a set of valve covers with the center bolt configuration.
12-29-2010, 08:59 AM
98TransAmWs-6

With these heads I would need stock length pushrods right?
12-29-2010, 10:19 AM
Firebirdjones

Pushrods would depend on whether the heads have been milled, and the cam you go with.

Were the heads ported by someone that knows what they are doing? It's easy to make them look pretty, but even easier to hurt flow more than help if someone doesn't know what they are doing.

Have the heads been gone through? Guides worn? I see they are bare. New valves? Used valves? Valve job?

There are alot of unknowns when buying used heads and alot of unexpected costs.
12-29-2010, 06:43 PM
1nasty86

VRX5 ftw!!!
12-29-2010, 07:56 PM
98TransAmWs-6

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Pushrods would depend on whether the heads have been milled, and the cam you go with.

Were the heads ported by someone that knows what they are doing? It's easy to make them look pretty, but even easier to hurt flow more than help if someone doesn't know what they are doing.

Have the heads been gone through? Guides worn? I see they are bare. New valves? Used valves? Valve job?

There are alot of unknowns when buying used heads and alot of unexpected costs.

I asked the person selling them those types of questions but they haven't responded yet. My other question is would it be worth buying some non ported 243s that are fully assembled and getting them cnc ported? How much does porting usually cost? Or would it be better to just buy some stage 2.5 or 3 ls6 heads from TSP?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1nasty86

VRX5 ftw!!!

I am leaning towards that cam but I also found this other one that is from Thunder Racing, the Tru Torq L4: 227/234 .616/.614 115 LSA apparently it is suppose to be the best of both worlds for 5.7-6.2L lsx engines. Suppose to have monster power, with a choppy idle but also have good driveability. I asked the Thunder Racing sales rep and he said Trick Flow heads would go best with that cam but I am wondering if LS6 heads would work well with it too.
12-29-2010, 08:09 PM
blackSS01

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

I asked the person selling them those types of questions but they haven't responded yet. My other question is would it be worth buying some non ported 243s that are fully assembled and getting them cnc ported? How much does porting usually cost? Or would it be better to just buy some stage 2.5 or 3 ls6 heads from TSP?

I am leaning towards that cam but I also found this other one that is from Thunder Racing, the Tru Torq L4: 227/234 .616/.614 115 LSA apparently it is suppose to be the best of both worlds for 5.7-6.2L lsx engines. Suppose to have monster power, with a choppy idle but also have good driveability. I asked the Thunder Racing sales rep and he said Trick Flow heads would go best with that cam but I am wondering if LS6 heads would work well with it too.

243's out of the box flow much better then the 241's and other heads and would be worth it. CNC porting can range in price but good shops will charge a decent amount for sure. Firebird is very knowledgeable in this area.
12-29-2010, 08:33 PM
98TransAmWs-6

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackSS01

243's out of the box flow much better then the 241's and other heads and would be worth it. CNC porting can range in price but good shops will charge a decent amount for sure. Firebird is very knowledgeable in this area.

If you know of a reputable porting shop let me know, since I would like to know the price before I jump into buying the 243s.
12-29-2010, 09:52 PM
vette0009

I'd pass and buy a set off TEA

They are reputable and you wont have any regrets

http://www.totalengineairflow.com/pr.../gmhead/gmls6/
12-29-2010, 10:03 PM
98TransAmWs-6

Quote:

Originally Posted by vette0009

I'd pass and buy a set off TEA

They are reputable and you wont have any regrets

http://www.totalengineairflow.com/pr.../gmhead/gmls6/

Cool thanks, I'll probably do that.
12-31-2010, 07:47 PM
garygnu65

what do each port flow?thats determine your cam duration needs.talk to EPS cams.
01-01-2011, 12:53 AM
RyanJM

Not sure about the LS6 head but I do know 2 people that got TSP 5.3stage 2.5 ported heads and were very happy so I would imaging their LS6 ported heads are probably good as well.
the Torquer V2 is a good cam from what I have heard I am running their.MS3 with a 113+3lsa and little sluggish on low rpm being a big cam and the fact I.still have the stick 98 heads and just a ls6 no fast 90 or anything and only a 3200 stall with 3.73's but I have to say drivability is pretty good the 98 computer own't the best to.tune but let me say after the 3k rpm mark hold.on cause it's a fun ride to the 6500rpm limit I have it set to shift at.sure it would.keep pulling but without a forged block, 9"rear and a tranny I hate to push it too hard. good luck with your car and keep us.updated after the parts and tune.
01-01-2011, 09:14 AM
Firebirdjones

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98TransAmWs-6

I asked the person selling them those types of questions but they haven't responded yet. My other question is would it be worth buying some non ported 243s that are fully assembled and getting them cnc ported? How much does porting usually cost? Or would it be better to just buy some stage 2.5 or 3 ls6 heads from TSP?.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackSS01

243's out of the box flow much better then the 241's and other heads and would be worth it. CNC porting can range in price but good shops will charge a decent amount for sure. Firebird is very knowledgeable in this area.

Thanks for the kind words, and he is right, even stock 243's flow better than the best LS1 head (considered the 241's.)
Having a set sent off to be CNC'd might be a little pricey. Most places will wait until they have a group of heads (say 10 sets or more) and do them all at once to cut down on setup costs.
It would more than likely be faster and less costly to buy a set done and ready to go. It's hard to beat some of the prices out there on CNC's heads out the door.
I would let your budget dictate what you go with. It seems alot of people gravitate towards Texas Speed and their many offerings from what I see. I've only read good reports and their prices are fair.