Head/Cam Build...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Head/Cam Build...
Ok guys, need the forums help on this one. Finally saved up for the head/cam build and have spoken with my tuner for a streetable build for my 1998 A4.
So far I have the P&P LS6 heads and a 224R cam. The heads are built with Comp 918's so springs are covered. I know I need the center-bolt valve covers as I curently have the perimeter bolt covers. What else am I going to need? I'm looking for a COMPREHENSIVE list with all I need.
Car already has:
LG Streets
Ti Cat-back
Underdrive pulley
K&N intake
ZO6 suspension (shocks, sways, etc)
Tune
Currently at ~ 330rwhp
So far I have figured on the following:
LS6 ported oil pump
Full gasket kit
LS6 intake
Lifters (Caddy race lifters?)
Pushrods (length?)
LS2 timing chain
ARP damper bolt
ARP head bolts
Re-tune
Hoping for ~ 400rwhp
Anything else? What am I missing? Not looking to break the bank or dig too deeply into the reserve I've factored into the job but don't want to start cuting corners or nickel-n-diming at this stage. Definitely don't want to run into any surprises will the motor is apart. Help me out guys...thanks in advance!
So far I have the P&P LS6 heads and a 224R cam. The heads are built with Comp 918's so springs are covered. I know I need the center-bolt valve covers as I curently have the perimeter bolt covers. What else am I going to need? I'm looking for a COMPREHENSIVE list with all I need.
Car already has:
LG Streets
Ti Cat-back
Underdrive pulley
K&N intake
ZO6 suspension (shocks, sways, etc)
Tune
Currently at ~ 330rwhp
So far I have figured on the following:
LS6 ported oil pump
Full gasket kit
LS6 intake
Lifters (Caddy race lifters?)
Pushrods (length?)
LS2 timing chain
ARP damper bolt
ARP head bolts
Re-tune
Hoping for ~ 400rwhp
Anything else? What am I missing? Not looking to break the bank or dig too deeply into the reserve I've factored into the job but don't want to start cuting corners or nickel-n-diming at this stage. Definitely don't want to run into any surprises will the motor is apart. Help me out guys...thanks in advance!
Last edited by Bounty; Jul 9, 2008 at 02:53 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
What compression and head gaskets?
For starters
Adjustable pushrod to measure for pushrods
Yella Terra rockers (optional but better valve train geometry if set up correctly)
Adjustable timing set and degree kit to set up cam
Redline Assembly Lube
Cam retainer plate (may be required depending on wear of original, noting original is no longer available)
Extra oil pump o-rings
Water pump (depending on miles on original)
New coolant tubes on heads (to fit the LS6, you need the newer front coolant cross-over and two rear block-offs)
2004 Valley Cover (simplifies PCV system and eliminates PCV valve)
2004 valve covers (set up for new valley cover)
ARP Assembly Lube
A good procedure
Tool to install front pulley (make one)
ARP cam bolts
Fresh loctite
Fresh high temp sensor safe RTV
Thread chasers (not taps)
New coolant and distilled water
Fresh oil & filter
Don't remove pulley or install per ls1howto.com
For starters
Adjustable pushrod to measure for pushrods
Yella Terra rockers (optional but better valve train geometry if set up correctly)
Adjustable timing set and degree kit to set up cam
Redline Assembly Lube
Cam retainer plate (may be required depending on wear of original, noting original is no longer available)
Extra oil pump o-rings
Water pump (depending on miles on original)
New coolant tubes on heads (to fit the LS6, you need the newer front coolant cross-over and two rear block-offs)
2004 Valley Cover (simplifies PCV system and eliminates PCV valve)
2004 valve covers (set up for new valley cover)
ARP Assembly Lube
A good procedure
Tool to install front pulley (make one)
ARP cam bolts
Fresh loctite
Fresh high temp sensor safe RTV
Thread chasers (not taps)
New coolant and distilled water
Fresh oil & filter
Don't remove pulley or install per ls1howto.com
Last edited by vettenuts; Jul 9, 2008 at 07:34 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
I find this one interesting as I have the same car with the same mods (sans the underdrive pulley) and am at 335 rwhp. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's take on the OP's goal being met - 400 rwhp. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
What compression and head gaskets?
For starters
Adjustable pushrod to measure for pushrods
Yella Terra rockers (optional but better valve train geometry if set up correctly)
Adjustable timing set and degree kit to set up cam
Redline Assembly Lube
Cam retainer plate (may be required depending on wear of original, noting original is no longer available)
Extra oil pump o-rings
Water pump (depending on miles on original)
New coolant tubes on heads (to fit the LS6, you need the newer front coolant cross-over and two rear block-offs)
2004 Valley Cover (simplifies PCV system and eliminates PCV valve)
2004 valve covers (set up for new valley cover)
ARP Assembly Lube
A good procedure
Tool to install front pulley (make one)
ARP cam bolts
Fresh loctite
Fresh high temp sensor safe RTV
Thread chasers (not taps)
New coolant and distilled water
Fresh oil & filter
Don't remove pulley or install per ls1howto.com
For starters
Adjustable pushrod to measure for pushrods
Yella Terra rockers (optional but better valve train geometry if set up correctly)
Adjustable timing set and degree kit to set up cam
Redline Assembly Lube
Cam retainer plate (may be required depending on wear of original, noting original is no longer available)
Extra oil pump o-rings
Water pump (depending on miles on original)
New coolant tubes on heads (to fit the LS6, you need the newer front coolant cross-over and two rear block-offs)
2004 Valley Cover (simplifies PCV system and eliminates PCV valve)
2004 valve covers (set up for new valley cover)
ARP Assembly Lube
A good procedure
Tool to install front pulley (make one)
ARP cam bolts
Fresh loctite
Fresh high temp sensor safe RTV
Thread chasers (not taps)
New coolant and distilled water
Fresh oil & filter
Don't remove pulley or install per ls1howto.com
Working from your list I need to add:
Water pump
ARP cam bolts
Cam retainer plate
2004 valve covers & valley plate
Coolant tubes
Redline Water Wetter
As for the lifters, what kind should I get, where can I get them, and what should I ask for? Anything else I'm missing? All assembly lubes and gaskets and shop materials will be covered by the tuner.
As for the heads themselves they are the Texas Speed P&P LS6 heads found here: http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=649&catid=20 . I'm not milling them or playing with head gaskets to adjust compression. I plan to bolt them on as-is and go....
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 2
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
Remember to only use only non scratching tools on deck surface . I used a can of Permatex gasket remover, PN 80646, to remove the head gasket material and the carbon on of the tops of the pistons. Worked great. I used a sharp plastic kitchen tool to scrape everything off. Then nonabrasive scotchbrite for a final cleaning. Try to keep everything as clean as possible. When you are away from the engine, tape paper towels over all the openings to stop any loose debris from falling in.
Keep posting any questions because there are plenty of knowledgeable people here that have done this numerous times.
Mike V
Keep posting any questions because there are plenty of knowledgeable people here that have done this numerous times.
Mike V
Last edited by MikeV; Jul 9, 2008 at 03:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,121
Likes: 3
From: Shreveport/Bossier Louisiana
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks for the awesome reply....exactly what I asked for! I should, however, been a bit more clear. I will not be doing the work. My tuner will be handling the install. I was more curious towards what additional parts I need to buy so I can drop it all off at once.
Working from your list I need to add:
Water pump
ARP cam bolts
Cam retainer plate
2004 valve covers & valley plate
Coolant tubes
Redline Water Wetter
As for the lifters, what kind should I get, where can I get them, and what should I ask for? Anything else I'm missing? All assembly lubes and gaskets and shop materials will be covered by the tuner.
As for the heads themselves they are the Texas Speed P&P LS6 heads found here: http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=649&catid=20 . I'm not milling them or playing with head gaskets to adjust compression. I plan to bolt them on as-is and go....
Working from your list I need to add:
Water pump
ARP cam bolts
Cam retainer plate
2004 valve covers & valley plate
Coolant tubes
Redline Water Wetter
As for the lifters, what kind should I get, where can I get them, and what should I ask for? Anything else I'm missing? All assembly lubes and gaskets and shop materials will be covered by the tuner.
As for the heads themselves they are the Texas Speed P&P LS6 heads found here: http://texas-speed.com/shop/item.asp...d=649&catid=20 . I'm not milling them or playing with head gaskets to adjust compression. I plan to bolt them on as-is and go....
You will be fine with the LS1 replacement lifters. They are the same ones that come in the LS7 IIRC. I have these in my car and when it hits the dyno it should put down 650-700 RWHP so you will be fine
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
The water pump is a preventative maintenance item, if you have a lot of miles it will be off the car and a good time to install. Cam retainer plate is only needed if your original is worn. If you do get a new one, then the bolts also change along with the installation torque values. The original plate is no longer available. Coolant tubes you definitely need.
Last edited by vettenuts; Jul 9, 2008 at 07:41 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Lot of guys go to the expense of doing a H/C install, and wonder why they only get 375 RWHP. A few details can make a big difference. Those TSP heads don't even list the combustion chamber size. You should make sure to know this stuff, 'cause you may need the info at a later time. LS engines like compression, and about 11-1 will run on 91 octane OK with tuning, and give you better mileage,too. Your cam is a standard size OTS grind that probably doesn't optimize your SCR. Of course, with a standard geared/convertered A/T, you are really limiting your possibilities, as well. Some of the above advice is overkill, but basically sound. You don't need fancy headbolts, GMs are fine, as are their MLS gaskets. Be careful with your stock header bolts. If you've previously installed headers, and then do the H/C, they may be a little worn, and damage your new heads. Personally, I wouldn't go to the expense of a H/C (especially if paying someone else to do the wrenching) for only about 50 HP.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Lot of guys go to the expense of doing a H/C install, and wonder why they only get 375 RWHP. A few details can make a big difference. Those TSP heads don't even list the combustion chamber size. You should make sure to know this stuff, 'cause you may need the info at a later time. LS engines like compression, and about 11-1 will run on 91 octane OK with tuning, and give you better mileage,too. Your cam is a standard size OTS grind that probably doesn't optimize your SCR. Of course, with a standard geared/convertered A/T, you are really limiting your possibilities, as well. Some of the above advice is overkill, but basically sound. You don't need fancy headbolts, GMs are fine, as are their MLS gaskets. Be careful with your stock header bolts. If you've previously installed headers, and then do the H/C, they may be a little worn, and damage your new heads. Personally, I wouldn't go to the expense of a H/C (especially if paying someone else to do the wrenching) for only about 50 HP.
My end goal is about 400 rwhp so I'm not necessarily looking for all out performance but a nice, usable powerband for the street with a sleeper to mild lope. I am not necessarily averse to upping the CR through milling/gaskets and I went with new Stage 8 header bolts when the LG's were installed 6 months ago. We did plan to go with the ARP bolts over studs and the GMPP MLS gaskets. What other combinations should I at least take a look at before committing to this one?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Zee, thanks for the objective view on the topic and the advice. I went with this combo on the tuners recommendation as a completely streetable combo for a stock or very low stall converter (which is a must for my driving preference). I am open to other head/cam combos with similar characteristics...any suggestions?
My end goal is about 400 rwhp so I'm not necessarily looking for all out performance but a nice, usable powerband for the street with a sleeper to mild lope. I am not necessarily averse to upping the CR through milling/gaskets and I went with new Stage 8 header bolts when the LG's were installed 6 months ago. We did plan to go with the ARP bolts over studs and the GMPP MLS gaskets. What other combinations should I at least take a look at before committing to this one?
My end goal is about 400 rwhp so I'm not necessarily looking for all out performance but a nice, usable powerband for the street with a sleeper to mild lope. I am not necessarily averse to upping the CR through milling/gaskets and I went with new Stage 8 header bolts when the LG's were installed 6 months ago. We did plan to go with the ARP bolts over studs and the GMPP MLS gaskets. What other combinations should I at least take a look at before committing to this one?
So......, do you still have the stock gears/converter? If so, improving this area will probably be as productive as adding 40-50 HP. If you have something like 2.73s, especially. I'm not an automatic guy, but from everything I've read, the converter makes a huge difference.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
So......, do you still have the stock gears/converter? If so, improving this area will probably be as productive as adding 40-50 HP. If you have something like 2.73s, especially. I'm not an automatic guy, but from everything I've read, the converter makes a huge difference.
Do you have a suggested head/cam combo for my needs I should look into?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 300
From: FL
Yup, still handcuffed by the stock converter and 2.73's. Plans are for a very mild 2200 stall converter and 3.15's. Both are exceptionally mild, I know....but within my tolerances for a what is basically a daily driver (50 to 100 miles weekly).
Do you have a suggested head/cam combo for my needs I should look into?
Do you have a suggested head/cam combo for my needs I should look into?
