LS1 Head Upgrade recomendation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
LS1 Head Upgrade recomendation
I started asking for info about the AFR heads. Not much response. I am looking for people that have upgraded their Heads (any brand) to give a response. I would like to hear your experience and recomendations. I am looking to do a HC in the future.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
What are you looking to achieve? What size cam? What kind of idle quality do you want? Is it a daily driver or street/strip?
A basic 243 head swap would be better than the 241's if you're going with a higher lift cam.
AFR's will be my choice, but they are expensive when compared to other brands. They have high flow numbers while still using smaller runner volumes which translates to better torque AND high horsepower.
Patriot seems to offer a couple choices at resonable prices. If you're looking for higher compression and better flow they have a set with smaller combustion chambers and larger runners.
I haven't researched TrickFlow yet, but have always heard good things about their other heads.
It's too bad the LS1 doesn't have a 4.00" bore, otherwise a set L92 heads would be fantastic.
anywho
A basic 243 head swap would be better than the 241's if you're going with a higher lift cam.
AFR's will be my choice, but they are expensive when compared to other brands. They have high flow numbers while still using smaller runner volumes which translates to better torque AND high horsepower.
Patriot seems to offer a couple choices at resonable prices. If you're looking for higher compression and better flow they have a set with smaller combustion chambers and larger runners.
I haven't researched TrickFlow yet, but have always heard good things about their other heads.
It's too bad the LS1 doesn't have a 4.00" bore, otherwise a set L92 heads would be fantastic.
anywho
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,388
Likes: 1,134
From: Dyer, IN
You could go totally old-school, and call AFR.......
jobberone
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 8
From: Kailua Kona HI
Call MAST. They are merging with ET. You can get a built set of 227s for $2600 that will flow in the 330 range right out of the box. Throw some YTs on and you've got a reliable fast 7000rpm head.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Get Trickflow heads, and buy them from TEA. More TQ, and HP everywhere on the rev band than the competition. They work with little cams, and big cams, but are a little more expensive. I believe they're worth the extra, and are a great foundation for future mods, 'cause believe me, it's addictive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 4
From: Freeport, FL
http://www.airflowresearch.com/index.php?cPath=76
Here is a link to AFR's site if you haven't checked it out yet. Look at the links that are on that page and you can read magazine articles, see flow numbers, and even shows a dyno comparison (note the mild 224 cam used that still made over 500hp)
Looking at flow numbers kinda shows the 215cc head to be a good head for something that is still gonna see street use. It has more low lift flow than the 210 and 225cc heads, and almost the same high lift flow as the 225cc head. Looks like a great balance. Gotta think, unless you are just racing, it's the lower torque/power (below about 4,500) that makes the real difference.
I looked at Trickflows site, but if there is good info on there about their products, I could not find it.
Anyways, I am a lil biased towards AFR, but only because I think almost 300cfm with a 210cc head is awesome. That would be horsepower WITH torque. I can only imagine building a motor with thier 245cc heads and seeing the dyno numbers.
I hope someone posts info about Trickflow or MAST, I'm curious about those heads too
Here is a link to AFR's site if you haven't checked it out yet. Look at the links that are on that page and you can read magazine articles, see flow numbers, and even shows a dyno comparison (note the mild 224 cam used that still made over 500hp)
Looking at flow numbers kinda shows the 215cc head to be a good head for something that is still gonna see street use. It has more low lift flow than the 210 and 225cc heads, and almost the same high lift flow as the 225cc head. Looks like a great balance. Gotta think, unless you are just racing, it's the lower torque/power (below about 4,500) that makes the real difference.
I looked at Trickflows site, but if there is good info on there about their products, I could not find it.
Anyways, I am a lil biased towards AFR, but only because I think almost 300cfm with a 210cc head is awesome. That would be horsepower WITH torque. I can only imagine building a motor with thier 245cc heads and seeing the dyno numbers.
I hope someone posts info about Trickflow or MAST, I'm curious about those heads too
Last edited by manley845; Dec 7, 2010 at 04:02 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
The TFS 215's hit 320CFM at .600 lift (I'm running a milled set). Which is about where most medium sized cams for a 346 are.
I would not recommend swapping 241's to untouched 243's. The small gains just aren't worth the hassle. If you want inexpensive heads, go with factory castings ported by a reputable vendor.
I would not recommend swapping 241's to untouched 243's. The small gains just aren't worth the hassle. If you want inexpensive heads, go with factory castings ported by a reputable vendor.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
Experience
I have visited several Manufacturers sites and have a current AFR catalog. I want to know what some of you guys are running that have done HC and how you like what you have. My car is just for play, cruising and a little time at the strip. I would like to get to 450 to 500HP.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
whats your budget? AFR 205 and a sensible cam is a very good combination. TFS 215 and cam good combination, you can go more money with the MAST black lable heads..
Its all about budget
Its all about budget
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 52
From: Sicamous BC
As others have said, call Tony! I also think the new AFR 210's will be extremely good. I'm going with new AFR 230 V.2 head on a 416.
If you want to explore an alternative as in less dollars, there is thread from a while back in LS1TECH. It was about heads only, stock cam, some very impressive numbers from modified 241/243 heads by AI or Advance Induction.
If you want to explore an alternative as in less dollars, there is thread from a while back in LS1TECH. It was about heads only, stock cam, some very impressive numbers from modified 241/243 heads by AI or Advance Induction.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: chandler az
I have a set of PRC 5.3 stage 2.5 with a texas speed 228R cam and a stock LS6 manifold. I'm happy with the engine setup a six speed and 3.90 gears. It's a nice setup for me which is almost never on the freeway. I don't have a set of AFR heads to compare the subtle things like throttle response of the smaller runner head. The horsepower numbers I saw off different web sites couldn't justify the price tag difference to me. It equated to something like 1000 bucks for an extra 10-15 horsepower. To some this may be a big deal. For me it was ultimately the price tag of the heads that changed my mind.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,983
Likes: 393
From: Stoney Creek Ontario
Get Trickflow heads, and buy them from TEA. More TQ, and HP everywhere on the rev band than the competition. They work with little cams, and big cams, but are a little more expensive. I believe they're worth the extra, and are a great foundation for future mods, 'cause believe me, it's addictive.
currently I'm running a set of done up Lingenfelter 243's with the big valves and high flow porting..... I think they call it stage 2 or 3 or something.....
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
I have a set of PRC 5.3 stage 2.5 with a texas speed 228R cam and a stock LS6 manifold. I'm happy with the engine setup a six speed and 3.90 gears. It's a nice setup for me which is almost never on the freeway. I don't have a set of AFR heads to compare the subtle things like throttle response of the smaller runner head. The horsepower numbers I saw off different web sites couldn't justify the price tag difference to me. It equated to something like 1000 bucks for an extra 10-15 horsepower. To some this may be a big deal. For me it was ultimately the price tag of the heads that changed my mind.
You could go Patriot, TSP/PRC, Tea, WCCH all on the 5.3's and the price ranges from lowest to highest and achieve similar results. Or you go aftermarket and start with the as cast TFS and go up from there.
AFR 205 or TFS 215, Mast black label are about the best you can do on an LS1.
Last edited by 99blancoss; Dec 8, 2010 at 03:33 PM.
