changing Heads
Thread Starter
c5-pewter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Coconut Creek Florida 33066
St. Jude Donor '08
changing Heads
Are c5 LS6 (243) heads (yrs 2002 to 2004) bolt on interchangeable for any c5 a LS1 engine, and specifically for year 2001 LS1.The reason for my question is that 'gmpartshouse' groups head gaskets as fitting for 1997 to 2001, and another group as fitting years 2002 to 2004. This leaves me confused, and any insight will be greatly appreciated. Regards, GRT
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Yes, the Z06 heads will bolt on to any 87-04 LS1 engine.
The early model gaskets were a graphite composition, the later model gaskets were MLS (multi-layer steel).
You could use either for your swap, but I would choose the 02-04 MLS. They seal reliably, they cost less, and there will be much less cleanup work in the future if you ever remove the heads.
The early model gaskets were a graphite composition, the later model gaskets were MLS (multi-layer steel).
You could use either for your swap, but I would choose the 02-04 MLS. They seal reliably, they cost less, and there will be much less cleanup work in the future if you ever remove the heads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
If u r not sure, u can provide VIN # to gene cully and he will advise u which gasketa nd bolt kit t use, ust another .02, Y2k already answered ur question, and thsi man knows what he is doing.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Placentia CA
The only other thing you might want to keep in mind is that if you’re using the hollow stem valves that came in the 02-04 243 heads they are about .025 longer than the standard LS1 or the 01 LS6 valves. Have fun!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
From: West Yarmouth MA.
Yes, the Z06 heads will bolt on to any 87-04 LS1 engine.
The early model gaskets were a graphite composition, the later model gaskets were MLS (multi-layer steel).
You could use either for your swap, but I would choose the 02-04 MLS. They seal reliably, they cost less, and there will be much less cleanup work in the future if you ever remove the heads.
The early model gaskets were a graphite composition, the later model gaskets were MLS (multi-layer steel).
You could use either for your swap, but I would choose the 02-04 MLS. They seal reliably, they cost less, and there will be much less cleanup work in the future if you ever remove the heads.
I chose the later mls gaskets for my head swap. I believe they are thinner too but don't quote me on that. The old graphite gaskets are a hell of a mess to clean off the block. As for the 243's I got some from a forum member from an ls2 for 350.00 shipped. Low miles too, good deal. I wouldn't worry too much about find the light weight valve ls6'ers.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
Are c5 LS6 (243) heads (yrs 2002 to 2004) bolt on interchangeable for any c5 a LS1 engine, and specifically for year 2001 LS1.The reason for my question is that 'gmpartshouse' groups head gaskets as fitting for 1997 to 2001, and another group as fitting years 2002 to 2004. This leaves me confused, and any insight will be greatly appreciated. Regards, GRT
"Could we take a set of LS6 heads and put them on an LS1?” He said they would bolt on, but when you look at them as a piece of the entire package, they aren’t necessarily the best choice. To use these heads on an LS1, you would also need to purchase an LS6 intake (to match the intake ports) and a throttle body".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08
Your car is an 01 ? If so I believe you already have the LS6 intake...
All vettes 01 & up had the LS6 intake standard...I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.....
All vettes 01 & up had the LS6 intake standard...I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge Ontario
St. Jude Donor '07
. 01 to o4 C5's came with the LS6 intake . Do not use the graphite gaskets , what a pain in the azz they are 
Manny@E.C.P