Just bought a 99 that I want to do a mild build on. I have read where 243 heads seem to be a popular upgrade and I see used ones for sale but I have no idea what a good price is for a pair. Any information on what to look for etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

I've seen 400-500 for a heads with valves/seals/springs (most likely need to change them)/retainers/locks.

243 heads from c5 z06s have the sodium filled exhaust valves and hollow intake valves.

 

They made millions of them. 799 is the same head.
$300 a pair is a reasonable price unless the miles are really low.

 

There are some locally for $400. I may offer him $300 and see if he will take it. It no rush. Just got the car and have some necessary reparo make before the mods start.

 

799 is the same head but doesn't have the same valves AFAIK.

 

I had a 1998 built HDS/CAM car with stock heads I installed a set of Take-off 243 heads from a Z06 and on the dyno it made 12 RWHP more !!!!!! I paid $600 but they were like new--used but i just bolted them on--

 

If you upgrade the heads do you have to do a cam or can you just swap the heads with no other additions?

 

Did you read the post previous to yours ?

 

You're right I'm sorry.

 

Its all good, just making sure you saw it, I am definitely going to go with 243 heads when I start my build

 

Thanks, they sound like a good upgrade. I'm just used to everyone doing a head and cam swap, I hardly ever hear of anyone doing heads only. That's why I asked

 

I just bought a set. As is take offs were $300. I paid $600 and got rebuilt prepped and with upgraded springs for the cam going in. I bought them from a local performance shop that has a ton of them that were take offs from cars they built.

 

Um real 243 performance head with the sodium valves are rare and will cost about 750 a side ...I got a set ...and u need to be extra careful and read the context and supplier information....or else the 799 is not the 243 performance cylinder head ....Should be considered a knock off..However after market machined heads are about the same cost the only difference comes down to your state’s emissions and inspection.


It’s been a few years since I bought mine and I bet the rarity of these heads ( new ) old stock ....are slim to come by ..your 853 heads will be fine for whatever your doing with the car just replace the springs / pushrods /retainers /and seals ...wipe clean re assemble .....maybe 250 on that rebuild ...use your extra funds for something worth while ...a cam shaft upgrade ....and service whatever little stuff water pump coolant ...timing / Harmonic balancer .. vara true air intake / high performance ignition coils and wires / change the plugs / service exhaust gaskets / head gaskets...u should be good to go ....all that for the expense of your heads only which ain’t really for your car unless your moving some serious air with a supercharger or turbo which these systems the state legal ones cost in the neighborhood of a new engine lol 5k-8k

 

Z06 heads (243s with hollow/filled stems) do show up on the for sale forum from time to time. I paid $350 or so for mine.
Unless my math is much off, Z06 heads with a Z06 intake, Z06 (or better) cam, and a tune will get you at least 50 HP.

 

What’s the point in picking up 40 at the crank thats what 10 at the wheel if ur lucky. Unless your aiming for at least a 100 ponies I wouldn’t even waste a turn on the wrench .

Cause to be honest your looking at 1500 to say the least and so much more could be done and make so much more fun reliable power ....with just a cam and a tune some preventive maintenance.

 

I saw Texas Speed sells what they call seasoned 243/799 heads that are CNC ported for about $1400.00

I wonder what these, a cam LS6 intake and headers would run and sound like?

My 1999 is still factory stock.

Maybe do this or A and A supercharger.

 

The Texas Speed are $1400 a pair! My Z06 heads may be going up for sale...

 

They are CNC ported, last time I looked Advanced Induction charged near that to CNC port your heads you send to them.

https://www.texas-speed.com/p-4-prc-...ted-heads.aspx

 

That price is for a used casting that had been machined...just saying

 

Yeah you are right, usually if you have the engine tore down to that point may as well do a cam too.