Front steam port needed?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
Front steam port needed?
Hey everyone, I just installed some new (to me) 243 heads on my ls1. After I got everything installed, I noticed one of the front steam ports on ONE of the heads was blocked off in the casting. I suspect that one of the heads was from a ls6 and the other from a truck motor. Anyway to make it all work, I’d have to block off the other front port and only have a crossover on the rear. I’m under the impression that the front ports are more important. Will that cause any issues? Would going to the (large) effort of flipping the heads be worth it?
This is my first LS build so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
This is my first LS build so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 938
From: Orlando Florida
Haven't pulled heads on an LS, but the tech people over time have noted that the front steam ports are the highest point in the cooling system, and the most likely to collect air. On the motors with only 2 ports, those ports are the front pair -- and mother GM doesn't put in any money they don't have to.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 23
From: Massachusetts
Haven't pulled heads on an LS, but the tech people over time have noted that the front steam ports are the highest point in the cooling system, and the most likely to collect air. On the motors with only 2 ports, those ports are the front pair -- and mother GM doesn't put in any money they don't have to.
I agree. You gonna solve that at some point either with a new head or milling it out. I do have an extra set of remanufactured 243 heads brand new looking if you need a pair. I didnt pay a crazy amount so it could be a cheaper option for you.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,401
Likes: 1,143
From: Dyer, IN
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
They should be both marked with 243 on the casting or 799 etc. Is it welded up, capped off or just not cast into the head? Pics would be helpful. Personally I run with all 4 vented with a motion raceworks crossover kit. It’s your motor, but the vents exist for a reason.
