Heads and Cams recommendation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 58
Heads and Cams recommendation
I'm looking for recommendation to replace the stock heads and cam for my 2003 C5, I have done the headers, exhaust and intake already. So my next purchase will be the heads with cams, manifold 107 or 92mm ? and the body throttle. I have to spend on the heads and cams between $2k - $3k
Any other part that I need with the upgrade that I'm missing ?
Thanks!
Any other part that I need with the upgrade that I'm missing ?
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
what's your power goal? that will really help narrow your parts search down. I hear good things about AFR 205 and 225 heads and Trickflow 215, but selection of heads will depend on your complete setup and power goal.
My LS6 made 473 to the wheel on Trickflow 215 heads, Fast 92, LS2 TB, and custom cam 228/232.
My LS6 made 473 to the wheel on Trickflow 215 heads, Fast 92, LS2 TB, and custom cam 228/232.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 58
I do not have a hp goal, just to make it roar like a mad beast.
I have my eyes on this one, so I do not need to upgrade anything else like the injectors ? Thanks!
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1-z06-ls6.aspx
I have my eyes on this one, so I do not need to upgrade anything else like the injectors ? Thanks!
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1-z06-ls6.aspx
Last edited by typeav; Aug 5, 2013 at 01:28 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 19
From: Los Angeles
2-3k is a lean budget even if you're doing the work yourself.
I feel like I've been doing this a while and it's not worth it to skimp on good parts.
Here's a list of recommendations to research.
dual springs/retainers/clips
hardened push rods
timing chain (ls2 or better)
lifters (ls7)
oil pump (high flow or ported ls6)
comp rocker trunion upgrade or aftermarket rockers
gaskets
and tune ($400+)
I feel like I've been doing this a while and it's not worth it to skimp on good parts.
Here's a list of recommendations to research.
dual springs/retainers/clips
hardened push rods
timing chain (ls2 or better)
lifters (ls7)
oil pump (high flow or ported ls6)
comp rocker trunion upgrade or aftermarket rockers
gaskets
and tune ($400+)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 58
basically I always try to get the best stuff but that list of parts is to deep, I just want to have the mechanic remove the stock heads, mount the new ones and good to go. I'm not looking to go over 500 hp. Reliability on the engine is very important to me, I do not want to have a dead engine
Last edited by typeav; Aug 5, 2013 at 01:51 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Lees Summit Mo
Doesn't sound like you will be able to go the Trickflow or the AFR route with that budget? I faced the same ordeal with my 99 Coupe. I ended up with new LS6 Heads as well as LS6 intake and a Comp cams 230/232... Altready had the CAI and long tube headers, high flow cats as well as Corsa catback. I have about 18K on this setup and it is really nice and reliable with a mean lope at idle and respectable power. Had to upgrade the springs in the heads but purchased all and had it installed in the $1800 to $2000 range. Also had a nice street tune put on it and I have been ballparked with my setup at around 485 at the crank and 415 RWHP or so... Really makes the car fun to drive and sounds like a badass!!! I don't often run into anything on the street that will walk away from it (i'm sure they are out there, I just don't run into them!!) ... really fun!!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
$2-3k is lean. $3k is probably closer to doable. And that is if you do it yourself
Once you factor in LS7 lifters you probably should upgrade ($150), new timing chain/oil pump ($200), injectors ($250), all your gaskets/bolts/fluids/belts($400), and a tune ($500), you've probably only left yourself only $800-1500 for your cam/heads package.
I don't know if I'd do all that work to go with a cheaper heads casting. You might only be able to afford stock LS6 castings on the low side of that budget.
Once you factor in LS7 lifters you probably should upgrade ($150), new timing chain/oil pump ($200), injectors ($250), all your gaskets/bolts/fluids/belts($400), and a tune ($500), you've probably only left yourself only $800-1500 for your cam/heads package.
I don't know if I'd do all that work to go with a cheaper heads casting. You might only be able to afford stock LS6 castings on the low side of that budget.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 58
Ok after some research I have found that I can do a LS6 head swap with the results that I want, I'm planning to purchase the LS6 heads. Can I use this camshaft from Lingenfelter with the stock LS6 heads ?
GT12
227/235 duration @ .050 lift - .614/.621 lift with 1.7 rocker 115 CL
GT12
227/235 duration @ .050 lift - .614/.621 lift with 1.7 rocker 115 CL
Last edited by typeav; Aug 5, 2013 at 08:21 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
2-3k is a lean budget even if you're doing the work yourself.
I feel like I've been doing this a while and it's not worth it to skimp on good parts.
Here's a list of recommendations to research.
dual springs/retainers/clips
hardened push rods
timing chain (ls2 or better)
lifters (ls7)
oil pump (high flow or ported ls6)
comp rocker trunion upgrade or aftermarket rockers
gaskets
and tune ($400+)
I feel like I've been doing this a while and it's not worth it to skimp on good parts.
Here's a list of recommendations to research.
dual springs/retainers/clips
hardened push rods
timing chain (ls2 or better)
lifters (ls7)
oil pump (high flow or ported ls6)
comp rocker trunion upgrade or aftermarket rockers
gaskets
and tune ($400+)
I am getting ready to do a Heads/cam /Intake/swap now. (From Texas Speed & Performance Using the MS4.)
At least, you may want to swap the Lifters, Pushrods, timing Chain & Gaskets. (Which all has wear from the original set up)
I went all out. Got the whole top end pretty much new.
Not cheap. I'm telling you if you want to do it right, Its gonna Snowball your budget.
Last edited by Biomech011; Aug 5, 2013 at 09:59 PM.
