LS1 VS LS6 heads
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,367
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From: East Oakland CA
LS1 VS LS6 heads
im thinking of getting better cam on my stock set up. i was just wondering if i would get better results (RWHP) if i go with ls6 heads? i dont have $3k to drop on a H/C package.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
For the cost of a new set of LS6 heads, I was able to get my LS1 heads ported and they bench flow tested way better than stock LS6 heads. Idealy if you have the money to get a set of LS6 #243 heads and have them ported you will see better results because of the cooling chambers and higher compression.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
The stock LS6 heads will definitely give you more hp over the stock LS1's and you can port the LS6's once you save up a few more bucks. Someone on the forum may be able to tell you the stock comparison of both heads.
If your looking for a bang for the buck scenario, your going to want to port them either way.
I think you may be better off buying a set of already ported LS6 heads, so you only do the install once.
If your looking for a bang for the buck scenario, your going to want to port them either way.
I think you may be better off buying a set of already ported LS6 heads, so you only do the install once.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
If you are on a budget, then LS6 heads are an excellent way to bolt on some extra power. I have seen used LS6 heads here go for as little as $450.
LS1 head's max INTAKE flow is around 220-230 CFM.
LS6 head's max INTAKE flow is around 260 CFM (You have to spend $950, or more, to get a set of 'old' Small Block Chevy cylinder heads that flow 260 CFM on the intake side).
The LS6 EXHAUST flow is only slightly higher than the LS1 (and again, are comparable to an AFTERMARKET set of SBC heads), but this difference in INTAKE flow is what will give you some nice gains, especially when you select an aggressive cam that is better matched to the flow characteristics of LS6 head.
All you have to do is check out what the LS6/Z06 guys are making for power with 'only' a cam, headers, CAI, and a good tune, to see that the LS6 head is still a very capable street head, even in stock form/unported.
The downside is that head gaskets, head bolts, valvesprings, and other related items can quickly offset the savings of buying a set of $500-$600 heads. Personally, I feel it is worth it if you are already in there changing your cam (and springs), as long as the heads don't need much prep or additional machining.
LS1 head's max INTAKE flow is around 220-230 CFM.
LS6 head's max INTAKE flow is around 260 CFM (You have to spend $950, or more, to get a set of 'old' Small Block Chevy cylinder heads that flow 260 CFM on the intake side).
The LS6 EXHAUST flow is only slightly higher than the LS1 (and again, are comparable to an AFTERMARKET set of SBC heads), but this difference in INTAKE flow is what will give you some nice gains, especially when you select an aggressive cam that is better matched to the flow characteristics of LS6 head.
All you have to do is check out what the LS6/Z06 guys are making for power with 'only' a cam, headers, CAI, and a good tune, to see that the LS6 head is still a very capable street head, even in stock form/unported.
The downside is that head gaskets, head bolts, valvesprings, and other related items can quickly offset the savings of buying a set of $500-$600 heads. Personally, I feel it is worth it if you are already in there changing your cam (and springs), as long as the heads don't need much prep or additional machining.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
I bought a set of complete LS6 heads and bolted them onto my 98 C5 A4 with a Calif.smog legal cam ---LT's - Fast--and a few bolt ons and am making 380-390 RWHP very easily--Got the heads on E-B*y for only $550 from one of those Canadian vendors-Totally happy as it's very drivable and tunable--
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
From: East Oakland CA
If you are on a budget, then LS6 heads are an excellent way to bolt on some extra power. I have seen used LS6 heads here go for as little as $450.
LS1 head's max INTAKE flow is around 220-230 CFM.
LS6 head's max INTAKE flow is around 260 CFM (You have to spend $950, or more, to get a set of 'old' Small Block Chevy cylinder heads that flow 260 CFM on the intake side).
The LS6 EXHAUST flow is only slightly higher than the LS1 (and again, are comparable to an AFTERMARKET set of SBC heads), but this difference in INTAKE flow is what will give you some nice gains, especially when you select an aggressive cam that is better matched to the flow characteristics of LS6 head.
All you have to do is check out what the LS6/Z06 guys are making for power with 'only' a cam, headers, CAI, and a good tune, to see that the LS6 head is still a very capable street head, even in stock form/unported.
The downside is that head gaskets, head bolts, valvesprings, and other related items can quickly offset the savings of buying a set of $500-$600 heads. Personally, I feel it is worth it if you are already in there changing your cam (and springs), as long as the heads don't need much prep or additional machining.
LS1 head's max INTAKE flow is around 220-230 CFM.
LS6 head's max INTAKE flow is around 260 CFM (You have to spend $950, or more, to get a set of 'old' Small Block Chevy cylinder heads that flow 260 CFM on the intake side).
The LS6 EXHAUST flow is only slightly higher than the LS1 (and again, are comparable to an AFTERMARKET set of SBC heads), but this difference in INTAKE flow is what will give you some nice gains, especially when you select an aggressive cam that is better matched to the flow characteristics of LS6 head.
All you have to do is check out what the LS6/Z06 guys are making for power with 'only' a cam, headers, CAI, and a good tune, to see that the LS6 head is still a very capable street head, even in stock form/unported.
The downside is that head gaskets, head bolts, valvesprings, and other related items can quickly offset the savings of buying a set of $500-$600 heads. Personally, I feel it is worth it if you are already in there changing your cam (and springs), as long as the heads don't need much prep or additional machining.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
From: East Oakland CA
I bought a set of complete LS6 heads and bolted them onto my 98 C5 A4 with a Calif.smog legal cam ---LT's - Fast--and a few bolt ons and am making 380-390 RWHP very easily--Got the heads on E-B*y for only $550 from one of those Canadian vendors-Totally happy as it's very drivable and tunable--
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria Illinois
im my opion, why waste time on stock heads? wont get much more for the amount of work you will do. id watch teh c5parts section and pick up used AFR's or patriot stage 2's.
plus if you do a cam with stock ls6 heads, you will wanna change the springs
plus if you do a cam with stock ls6 heads, you will wanna change the springs
Last edited by 02gt350; Sep 18, 2007 at 11:26 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
i would rather take a chance on a pair of NEW heads (at $600) that have potential when the money is availiable then buy a set of USED ones that some one else has discarded for whatever reason--Unless I knew the person or the car--but from a stanger no way--heads can hold too many secrets that can cause you grief in the future---
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria Illinois
i would rather take a chance on a pair of NEW heads (at $600) that have potential when the money is availiable then buy a set of USED ones that some one else has discarded for whatever reason--Unless I knew the person or the car--but from a stanger no way--heads can hold too many secrets that can cause you grief in the future---
and if you had Z heads and got a cam, you would then have to pay to put different springs on.
But i had the same reasoning. thats why i bought all brand new stuff for my set up
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Chico CA
I picked up around 75hp using a cheatr cam (not recommended, go with a 224/224 at least) and the patriot heads.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
From: East Oakland CA
Are you going to do the work yourself? If so you can pick up patriot stage 2 heads (243s), a cam (just tell them what you want), and hardened pushrods for about $1600 shipped. I just did my own install and saved over half of what it would have cost to have a shop do it. Just remember there will be incidental costs that you will have to deal with, shouldn't be too much though.
I picked up around 75hp using a cheatr cam (not recommended, go with a 224/224 at least) and the patriot heads.
I picked up around 75hp using a cheatr cam (not recommended, go with a 224/224 at least) and the patriot heads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 1
From: Gibbstown New Jersey
I bought a set of complete LS6 heads and bolted them onto my 98 C5 A4 with a Calif.smog legal cam ---LT's - Fast--and a few bolt ons and am making 380-390 RWHP very easily--Got the heads on E-B*y for only $550 from one of those Canadian vendors-Totally happy as it's very drivable and tunable--
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have seen people routinely pick up 20 - 30 hp going from LS1 to LS6 heads. If you get them for $450, with gaskets and springs you are in the neighborhood of $700 or $35/hp. A bargain in my book. No on seems to blink at spending $1,500 for a set of headers that provide less hp (much of the header number claims come from the tune as opposed to the headers). If you get true LS6 heads (not LS2 which are the same casting with heavier valves) you can get less valve spring and still keep the valve train in check with large cams. If you can get the true LS6 heads for under $500 in good condition, go for it.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 559
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa Kansas
I hear a lot of talk about porting used LS6 heads. If you buy a set of used LS6 heads for $500, add cheap springs for $150, and then have them ported, you are looking at every bit as much money as a set of brand new budget heads. If I remember right, when I researched having heads ported, it was several hundred dollars. Even if you could get them done for $300, you have spent right about the cost of a set of Patriot or Texas Speed ported, brand new LS6 heads. Then, throw in the risk factor of buying a used set of heads that has something wrong, and needs a valve job, you are talking more money than a budget set of new heads.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 25
From: Tacoma WA
I hear a lot of talk about porting used LS6 heads. If you buy a set of used LS6 heads for $500, add cheap springs for $150, and then have them ported, you are looking at every bit as much money as a set of brand new budget heads. If I remember right, when I researched having heads ported, it was several hundred dollars. Even if you could get them done for $300, you have spent right about the cost of a set of Patriot or Texas Speed ported, brand new LS6 heads. Then, throw in the risk factor of buying a used set of heads that has something wrong, and needs a valve job, you are talking more money than a budget set of new heads.
I'd say - if you don't have a lot of money to spend, just getting a set of Stock NEW LS6 heads for $400-500 is pretty good bang for your buck, and will probably net something like 25whp gain... maybe more depending on the cam...
-Dan
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Wakefield R.I.
Just added a "small" cam(220/224) to my 04 with stock heads,PSI springs, 25% underdrive Powerband, LG lt streets,Yella Terra's 1.7 and a tune and got 398rwhp. If I had changed the thermostat to a 160 the tuner says I would have broken the 400 mark. I think the value of the LS6 heads depends on which ones you get. A new set of LS2(243's) BARE just went for $350. on Fleabay. A&A had at least one set with the light valves for $450. over the weekend. Which one of those was the better bet? I think Andy's because of the valves. 25+TRUE HP for under $600.00 would seem to me to be a good value. LS6 heads are a well known product with well known performance.
