inspector12

Seems like you have a plan for the LS9 heads only thing I might suggest is to call LME or WCCH and see if they have any used LS9's they might sell you along with the final assembly as LME for sure does a lot of motors for local shops and might actually have some parts from customers etc...I know you were looking at one stop shopping etc... I don't think WCCH will but its worth a call.

KSA Aaron

Thanks for the good advice. I guess I will be doing this on Friday.


Making phone calls is much easier when one is not 8,000miles from the US.

KSA Aaron

I did some checking on CNC machined LS9 heads. They come with Titanium Intake/Inconel exhaust, which is a considerable adder. Price is approaching $4k.


Hmmmm....

Unreal

At that point, no reason to run them, but at same time, why do you need Ti intake valves? That is $1500 right there.

inspector12

Depending on which valves you priced the factory LS7 valves can be had for @$800-850. Del West will finish polishing them for free if you send them back to them so it just cost you shipping if those are an option. another option is a hollow stem stainless valve that will reduce the cost a lot. I have a set from when I upgraded to TI that I got from WCCH out of my BR7's. but you need to know the size and valve stem length but they are out there you just have to look etc... But when doing one stop shopping you will pay more. As your paying for convenience when it comes to heads. On the exhaust valves a sever duty stainless valve is very good unless your using a two step like on a drag car etc...

EX1

I got a set of Brodix BR7s from WCCH with their CNC program, new Del West Ti intake valves, SS exhaust valves, PAC springs, etc assembled and shipped for just over $4k. Great setup for the money IMO.

Turbo-Geist

I thought the purpose of this forum was to post up inflated dyno numbers for an expensive build and then have the car never actually live up to those numbers in the real world? Bonus points if others can be led astray in the process and buy the same expensive parts that are also incapable of creating those numbers in the real world.

realcanuk

Nailed it.

Turbo-Geist

Just kidding, sort of...

OP, you can purchase a pair of new stock LSA heads for $1030.

You can get a pair of CNC ported LSAs outright for $2645 plus shipping. These should be very capable of meeting your target of 1100rw.

Beyond that, the price begins to climb depending on what items are upgraded and if you opt for 4 bolt or 6 bolt.

I can understand wanting to port the LSA heads, but I personally wouldn't pay to have a set of LS3 or LS7 heads ported if you are going with forced induction.

Unreal

More bonus points if you can convince them that a new special method is needed. That your car is a unique snowflake and works differently than all the others.

I wouldn't put money, or CNC port LSA heads. They are a good option for BUDGET to slap on as is, and enjoy at 1000-1100hp. Not to sink money into. If you are spending $2800+ just go aftermarket 6 bolt.

TTBlueZ06

Can't beat the LS9 head for the money.. Titanium intake valves out of the box. Change exhaust valves to inconel and upgrade springs. Done just over $2k

Dart 6 Bolt LS3 heads, buy bare castings, ferrea hollow stem intakes with inconel exhausts and good springs. I can sell you a set of those for under $2500 to your door.

My personal choice.. Mast 285 LS7s, these are going to approach $5k though.

inspector12

Oh yeah Ben tell us all about it!

KSA Aaron

I received several recommendations on CNC machined LS9 heads that were well under $4k. Also have received several CNC Brodix options (BR3/BR7) that are in similar price range.


One concern is that the BR3 is CNC machined to match the 4.0" bore, whereas my Superdeck is set to 4.125". Also will need 1/2" accommodation for the head studs.


Need to consider intake options as the heads will dictate the intake. Assuming OEM intakes for each of the offerings...
- LS9, BR3 require LS3 intake
- BR7 require LS7 intake


The options are pretty much endless.... thinking.

gnx7

On my LS9 shortblock we are running MAST LS3 heads out of the box with a 100% stock LS3 intake, baby cam, and 88mm (1400hp) T4 turbo from Precision Turbo with BB and billet wheel. I can't even use the power it makes until about 4th gear. Without boost by gear/time the car is undriveable at WOT. In a Mazda RX-7 with 3.31 gears/26" tire/T56 Mag.

Figure out how much you want to spend... your power goals are pretty modest for heads that flow 350cfm+.

If you do go LSA/LS9 there is a bump in the intake port that needs to be removed. Otherwise with minimal cleanup and not even further CNC porting they will meet your goals.

KSA Aaron

And yet another issue....


ERL is shutting down their Performance Engine. If my engine is built, it would be one of the last engines out the door. There would be no recourse if something goes wrong.


I know ERL has enjoyed a good reputation. That has been over the years when they were in business and word of mouth got them their next build. That reputation is how I arrived at ERL. The situation has now changed....


$10,000 plus spent on the lower end build and no recourse if not right. Thoughts?

Unreal

IMO, if you can, back out, call LME, and enjoy.

Would have chosen LME over ERL either way.

Detoxx03

Yep no way would I move forward with them now that they aren't on the performance side anymore.

schpenxel

Yeah, would have a hard time writing a check to someone that is closing down.. not saying they'd intentionally screw anything up but it wouldn't really hurt them if they did either

Unreal

Not that race parts have any warranty, or anyone would do anything. Take that into account.

gotjuice?

I would continue and still purchase. They have the best sleeves out there along with the modified block. The engine builder will still be working there and make sure all is good.

Now is a good time to buy as they are selling stock cheaper.