Is it possible to use the LS6 valvetrain on an LS1 head?

Does this make sense?:

LS1 Heads, ported, polished with stock sized LS6 valves, retainers and springs.

I want to retain a completely stock look, and do not want LS6 heads on the car.

- C5B

 

LS1 Heads, ported, polished with stock sized LS6 valves, retainers and springs.

Yes, you can do that. Use the Z06 2002 cam, Z06 2002 hollow valves and 2002 294 lb. springs, on your stock heads. I think the retainers are the same, and so are the pushrods so no need to change those.
The Z06 cam has a smaller base circle, but the valves are longer length to compensate, so that is no problem as long as you use these together.
You will have to have a machine shop lap the valves to the heads. The 2002 Z06 valve seals may have to be used with this set-up also.

 

You would have to check casting # to see the differece once LS6 heads are installed.

 

Right.... :) That's what I don't want to be different. I want my 50th car to remain as stock looking as possible.

So, if the LS6 valves are longer than LS1 valves, do LS6 folks have to get shorter pushrods when they change their cam to a performance cam for the LS1?

Thanks!

- C5B

 

"So, if the LS6 valves are longer than LS1 valves, do LS6 folks have to get shorter pushrods when they change their cam to a performance cam for the LS1?"

No they don't! (usually)! Because many (or Most) of the popular aftermarket cams are manufactured with the same .050 or so smaller Z06 base circle. So you don't have to go to the shorter pushrods.
The pushrod length is not entirely critical even when the "wrong" parts are used. What happens is that the hydraulic lifter has an internal range of adjustment and the wrong length pushrod still works ok, because the lifter can adjust, and make up for the length.
The other thing that happens is that the relationship of where the rocker arm contacts the valve stem tip can be less than ideal if the pushrod length is too short or too long. It will still work this way, it is just not ideal for wear and strength.
When in doubt the engine builder can test assemble for fit and look at the clearances. Shims can be put under the rocker arm mounting bases to put the hydraulic lifter in its best postition, and the lifter in the ideal area of its range. Also, aftermarket pushrods are made in incremental lengths.
None of this affects your situation. Yours is a drop in , bolt on, ideal factory fit.
Sounds like you want to keep your car visibly stock. But you do have to take of your stock heads to do all of this. Since you are removing the heads, consider going with the 2002 up Z06 stock heads (and cam). Then keep your old heads on the shelf, that way you can put them back on if you ever want to go back to NCRS stock .
The only visable difference is one casting number on the front of the right head. It reads "243" on the Z06 head and "241" on the LS1 head.
I have the 2002 Z06 heads and it is big, big performance gain over stock.