Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 2
Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...?
I've seen a lot of H/C traffic lately, and a good deal of it is confusing :confused:
A lot of numbers get tossed around, but one of my major questions is for a guy looking to make a real 400+ at the rear wheels in 80 degree weather on 92 octane, have the car driveable, smooth and economical-is the investment in LS6 heads worth it....?
A lot of numbers get tossed around, but one of my major questions is for a guy looking to make a real 400+ at the rear wheels in 80 degree weather on 92 octane, have the car driveable, smooth and economical-is the investment in LS6 heads worth it....?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 2
From: Aloha, Oregon
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (MiamiDave)
you can obtain your goal with a well ported set of LS1 heads. However, the LS6 has several advantages the LS1 doesnt that make them worth the extra $$.
1. LS6 combustion chamber shape is better for flame propagation and front
2. LS6 c.chamber volume at 63cc stock. means you have to mill less off of them to get to higher CR. The LS1 has to be milled .050" or so, depending on the amount of c.chamber port work to reach 11:1 cr with stock gaskets. Milling that much greatly limits you to the lift/duration of cam you can choose from, thus, keeping you from available hp that an otherwise well ported head can handle.
3. the raised exhaust floor (+.125") and D-shape port of the exhaust on the LS6 over the LS1 head greatly improves velocity and flow.
if you arent on a super tight budget go with the LS6. run 11:1 cr to go with your 92 octane pump gas and a hefty cam and you will hit your goal easily.
1. LS6 combustion chamber shape is better for flame propagation and front
2. LS6 c.chamber volume at 63cc stock. means you have to mill less off of them to get to higher CR. The LS1 has to be milled .050" or so, depending on the amount of c.chamber port work to reach 11:1 cr with stock gaskets. Milling that much greatly limits you to the lift/duration of cam you can choose from, thus, keeping you from available hp that an otherwise well ported head can handle.
3. the raised exhaust floor (+.125") and D-shape port of the exhaust on the LS6 over the LS1 head greatly improves velocity and flow.
if you arent on a super tight budget go with the LS6. run 11:1 cr to go with your 92 octane pump gas and a hefty cam and you will hit your goal easily.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 51
From: New Milford CT
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (MiamiDave)
Dave, I went with STOCK LS6 heads, and TR cam etc. I am very please with the results. I paid $1500 for the heads and can sell my stock heads for ~ $300, so the final cost is only $1200. Plus if I ever want to upgrade, It is no big deal to have them ported later on.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 35
From: Fairview Hts. IL
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (CJS)
Dave, I went with STOCK LS6 heads, and TR cam etc. I am very please with the results. I paid $1500 for the heads and can sell my stock heads for ~ $300, so the final cost is only $1200. Plus if I ever want to upgrade, It is no big deal to have them ported later on.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 645
Likes: 34
From: Andover KS
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (hogurt)
I also went with stock LS6 heads and a cam GT-2 from LPE. After installation did not notice much of a difference, however I just sent the computer to FASTCHIP to be reprogramed. I was told the cam was retartding my timing due to the knock sensors with the lift of the cam .580. Hope this fixes it.
How much did you notice in performance gains? :chevy
How much did you notice in performance gains? :chevy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 51
From: New Milford CT
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (The Yav)
I had a huge gain in acceleration, but I did all my mods at once, so it was a big difference to me. My self timed 1/4 mile mph went from 108/110 mph to 115/117mph.
Actually mine runs perfectly well untuned. It idles steady as stock, but I think it could use a few degrees of timing added, just off idle to make it even stonger in the 900 to 1100 rpm range.
Of course once a bigger cam like yours is tuned, it will be even nicer!
Actually mine runs perfectly well untuned. It idles steady as stock, but I think it could use a few degrees of timing added, just off idle to make it even stonger in the 900 to 1100 rpm range.
Of course once a bigger cam like yours is tuned, it will be even nicer!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 347
From: Albuquerque NM
Re: Difference in LS1 vs LS6 H/C mods...? (MiamiDave)
You have another option that most don't talk about. Use the 5.3 liter aluminum TRUCK heads, they start with smaller combustion chambers than the LS6, and respond to porting and big valves just like their 5.7 bretheren. I had mine shaved a little more, ended up with 11.4:1 compression, and with a mild cam make pretty good power, see sig. :cheers:
BTW: They cost less than LS6 heads. :D
[Modified by 6Speeder, 8:17 AM 2/5/2003]
BTW: They cost less than LS6 heads. :D
[Modified by 6Speeder, 8:17 AM 2/5/2003]
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