97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later

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Sep 8, 2003 | 07:51 PM

C4TOMCAT

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: May 2001

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From: COCOA Florida

97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later

Hi, I am not familiar yet with the C5 LS1....I have gathered from some threads that there are differences in cyl. heads for the years on the LS1 block. can someone direct me to a site or list the differences and/or what other parts would be needed if installing later heads on a early 97 engine.

Thanks the heads now have 100k on them and if I can find some low miliage ones I need to know which would be best.

Thanks Tom

[Modified by C4TOMCAT, 7:51 PM 9/8/2003]

Sep 8, 2003 | 08:27 PM

Mitch C

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Davie Florida

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (C4TOMCAT)

LS1 heads are really the same, the only difference is the 97-98s have a different bolt pattern on the the valve covers and use different brackets to mount their coils.

Sep 8, 2003 | 09:55 PM

ThePatriot

Racer

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 250

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From: Tampa Florida

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (C4TOMCAT)

I saw a really good article in one of the magazines about two months ago that detailed every LS1 head made. I can’t remember which one it was but I’ll look for it when I get a chance. I just pulled the heads, exhaust and cam out of my 01, which just hit 15K miles. I’m considering selling them but don’t have a price worked up yet. If you find that the 01’s are to your liking you might want to ping me at twright@spss.com.
Good Luck!

Sep 9, 2003 | 04:26 AM

C4TOMCAT

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: May 2001

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From: COCOA Florida

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (ThePatriot)

Mitch C, thanks for the reply and info.

ThePatroit...thanks also for the info...would appreciate the article info to become educated on the ins and outs of the engine. will keep you in mind on the heads as it will be something to do this fall/winter. thanks tom

Sep 9, 2003 | 08:15 AM

Scubanme

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2003

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From: San Bruno Ca

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (C4TOMCAT)

There is no real difference in hed configuration between the 97/98 LS1 heads vs 99 and newer LS1 heads. The main diffrence is on the underside of 1 head only. That there is a recessed area which makes it mandatory that you use 97/98 year specific head gaskets or you WILL have a water leak. 99 or newer heads can use the 97/98 gaskets, but not vice versa. 97/98 uses a composite type gasket and 99 and newer heads use metals shim type gaskets. If you do a head swap to newer heads or LS6 heads, you can use any gaskets. I just did a head swap, that's how I know.

:cheers:

Sep 9, 2003 | 08:15 AM

Redvette_22

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 5,005

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From: jackson nj

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (C4TOMCAT)

Look into the new paperback book about the LS1/LS6 engines....Barnes and Noble usually has it in stock....good infor on all the LS1 parts interchanges and advantages.

Sep 9, 2003 | 10:08 AM

kromberg

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Lafayette Colorado

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (Red98C5)

Do you know the name of the book or is it pretty obvious :smash:

Keith

Sep 9, 2003 | 02:03 PM

ThePatriot

Racer

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 250

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From: Tampa Florida

Re: 97/98 Cyl Heads vs 99 & later (C4TOMCAT)

Hey C4,
I'm still looking but I did find the following:

Here's one of the articles that compares LS1 Head to LS6 Head: http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...479/index.html

Here's one on 'Inside the LS1 Engine': http://www.idavette.net/hib/ls1c.html

:chevy