LS1 VS LS6 heads
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
I used a TPIS cam ground slightly different than off the shelf--but it is a .221/.221 @ .050 lift is .552/.569 and LSA is 114--It passed very easily but i wanted to be sure it would----In hindsight i would have gone slightly bigger--something like a .226/.228 lift doesn't really matter but i would keep it around .550 and LSA never lower than 114--I have never seen a 112 pass -I'm sure there are some that would but i didn't want to risk it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
PS: I sold the LS6 springs $50 too !! and my old LS1 heads for $200-- So my net cost was only $450 !!!
I would rather have bought the hi end hds but really couldn't justify the cost for a Calif smog legal daily driver/weekend racer--I was told the LS6 heads would give me only about 15 more RWHP than stock--with my baby cam--but the AFR's would probably net me maybe 35 RWHP with the same cam limitations-----So if yoy want to spend the $$$ you can get 20 more RWHP----
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
You won't find LS6 heads new for that price, the valves alone are more than that. They are likely LS2 heads, same casting with the heavier stainless valves. A lot of people advertise the LS2 heads as LS6 heads since the casting number is the same. LS2 heads are fine, just be aware if you are looking specifically for the lighter valves for valve train setup.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
You won't find LS6 heads new for that price, the valves alone are more than that. They are likely LS2 heads, same casting with the heavier stainless valves. A lot of people advertise the LS2 heads as LS6 heads since the casting number is the same. LS2 heads are fine, just be aware if you are looking specifically for the lighter valves for valve train setup.
and you want the light wt valves and stronger springs for any really HP or higher lift cam mods. Some times it may be better to wait and get what you really want then to comprise.
I had some PP LS1 heads on my car, with a small cam, then put on some stock LS6 heads. Good difference.
Now I have some LPE SWGT PP LS6 heads in boxes. Have not decided on a cam yet, have a few in mind. Winter mod season starts in mid Nov.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,329
Likes: 0
Talk to Gunnar at Patriot Performance for his advice.
I've seen heads bought used and the valves were screwed up. A condition that only showed up after install and power was being produced.
Fully see your goals first and do not do it piece meal because you will get hit for redundant labor charges. Example: Change rear gears - then go back and do hardened shaft!! Doubles your cost. If the guy is doing heads, then a cam should be done as well to save money on install. REMEMBER: A performance tune can cost $400 everytime you do it!!
I got Patriot heads with valves and double gold springs through Gunnar at a very good price -they are the CNC'd #243 or LS6 heads.
I've seen heads bought used and the valves were screwed up. A condition that only showed up after install and power was being produced.
Fully see your goals first and do not do it piece meal because you will get hit for redundant labor charges. Example: Change rear gears - then go back and do hardened shaft!! Doubles your cost. If the guy is doing heads, then a cam should be done as well to save money on install. REMEMBER: A performance tune can cost $400 everytime you do it!!
I got Patriot heads with valves and double gold springs through Gunnar at a very good price -they are the CNC'd #243 or LS6 heads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
You won't find LS6 heads new for that price, the valves alone are more than that. They are likely LS2 heads, same casting with the heavier stainless valves. A lot of people advertise the LS2 heads as LS6 heads since the casting number is the same. LS2 heads are fine, just be aware if you are looking specifically for the lighter valves for valve train setup.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I know these deals are harder and harder to find--there is a set for sale right now for $800-- sodium filled--I bought mine about a year ago--and they do have the sodium filled exhaust valves and are the better and sought after early version "SPM" or triangle heads-- these are better castings and claim to make an extra 5-7 hp over the standard 243 non triangle casting---
