Which heads?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 752
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From: Lebanon CT.
Which heads?
I want to install a set of heads on my 06 LS2. Not sure which ones to use. I would also like to to have the intake ports matched to the new heads, not sure if it can be done by the head supplier? What do you guys think?
Cam to follow this winter!
Cam to follow this winter!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 140
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From: Sayre PA
rpm motors has a head and intake package that uses the lightweight valves from the ls6, that has got my attention. here a link to the thread.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1782907
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1782907
Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
They recently did a 3xcam/4x head package that did 470 thorugh 4.10's which is 480rwhp. This same package ran a 10.8 1/4, so since people mod cars for the purpose of going faster I would stick with the leaders and the ones that build sub 11 sec passes are the cartek H/C owners. Call Dave and relax that the package is proven on a track and not just a dyno that can be manipulated.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,446
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From: Cranford NJ
Originally Posted by dennis50nj
Cartek heads are best and will be port matched also a forum sponser
They recently did a 3xcam/4x head package that did 470 thorugh 4.10's which is 480rwhp. This same package ran a 10.8 1/4, so since people mod cars for the purpose of going faster I would stick with the leaders and the ones that build sub 11 sec passes are the cartek H/C owners. Call Dave and relax that the package is proven on a track and not just a dyno that can be manipulated.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Cranford NJ
Not completely true. Velocity plays a big role.
Plus depending on what flow bench you use to do testing on the numbers vary. Just like readings vary from different dyno vendors. For example a dyno jet dyno shows different power for the same car on a mustang dyno. Flow benches are a tool, not the absolute comparison device for cylinder head port design.
Max
Plus depending on what flow bench you use to do testing on the numbers vary. Just like readings vary from different dyno vendors. For example a dyno jet dyno shows different power for the same car on a mustang dyno. Flow benches are a tool, not the absolute comparison device for cylinder head port design.
Max
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Not completely true. Velocity plays a big role.
Plus depending on what flow bench you use to do testing on the numbers vary. Just like readings vary from different dyno vendors. For example a dyno jet dyno shows different power for the same car on a mustang dyno. Flow benches are a tool, not the absolute comparison device for cylinder head port design.
Max
Plus depending on what flow bench you use to do testing on the numbers vary. Just like readings vary from different dyno vendors. For example a dyno jet dyno shows different power for the same car on a mustang dyno. Flow benches are a tool, not the absolute comparison device for cylinder head port design.
Max
Thanks Max
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Ported 243s + 224 cam: 484/440
In my case, CNC ported 243s done by Charlie Williams at RPM, produced the results: 484/440. That is with a baby 224/228 cam and the pull was in 4th through 4.10 gears and drag radials on 18s. That means 500+ through 3.42s with OEM rear wheels. Thses numbers are Dynojet SAE corrected.
Other mods were: LS6 valves, FAST90 ported, ported TB, Kooks 1.75 LTs through stock mufflers, UD pulley, and of course that famous Charlie tune.
Cartek also delivers results
Given results like these, there is no reason to spend $2.5K on aftermarket heads IMO. Of course, you need to use a good head porter. A bad one will produce worse-than-stock results.
Other mods were: LS6 valves, FAST90 ported, ported TB, Kooks 1.75 LTs through stock mufflers, UD pulley, and of course that famous Charlie tune.
Cartek also delivers results
Given results like these, there is no reason to spend $2.5K on aftermarket heads IMO. Of course, you need to use a good head porter. A bad one will produce worse-than-stock results.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 615
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From: Mill Creek WA
What did your RPM ported 243 heads cost? Do Cartek 2x (or 3x) heads cost about the same? The total cost for heads only is: (1) labor & tune ~$1450, (2) parts (0.040 Cometic, front cover gasket, front seal, harmonic balancer bolt, oil & filter) ~$350, (3) upgrades (pushrods and C5Z valves) ~$925, and (4) heads. For AFR 205s at $2350, the install cost would be ~$5075. Am I leaving anything out?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Gilbert AZ
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
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I have posted this before because for us newbies there is one well known gold standard versus an inexpensive alternative we would like to see run "heads up" on a stock (ie: no cam, cai, etc changes please) LS2... AFR 205/ unported FAST versus L92/L76..same throttle body on each also and no headers! I know this seems a little unrealistic but the less variables in the equation the less a
I remember the Katech article a couple years back in Hot Rod involving the new LS2...they used a very controlled process comparing CHEV LS2/LS6/their own parts.
I remember the Katech article a couple years back in Hot Rod involving the new LS2...they used a very controlled process comparing CHEV LS2/LS6/their own parts.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
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From: Florida
The entire install+ tune was <3500 and I'll leave it at that, because I do not believe my price was reflective of what Charlie would charge on an ongoing basis. Included parts in the price were cam, LS6 valveset, Cometics, UD pulley, new head bolts. Springs, rods, headers, and FAST were there from a prior install. Head work started out as a clean-up but became full CNC (guess Charlie just got carried away 
). This is Stage 3 head work but with stock valve sizes. And it outflowed and outperformed AFR205s.
). This is Stage 3 head work but with stock valve sizes. And it outflowed and outperformed AFR205s.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
I have posted this before because for us newbies there is one well known gold standard versus an inexpensive alternative we would like to see run "heads up" on a stock (ie: no cam, cai, etc changes please) LS2... AFR 205/ unported FAST versus L92/L76..same throttle body on each also and no headers! I know this seems a little unrealistic but the less variables in the equation the less a I remember the Katech article a couple years back in Hot Rod involving the new LS2...they used a very controlled process comparing CHEV LS2/LS6/their own parts.
I remember the Katech article a couple years back in Hot Rod involving the new LS2...they used a very controlled process comparing CHEV LS2/LS6/their own parts.Like I said before, a good head porter is going to do as well or better as the best aftermarket heads on the 243 casting. The trick is finding one. Charlie at RPM and Cartek really know how to get results. Livernois, TSP, and TEA (Brian Tooley) can all do very good work as well, but do more volume.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Sorry for the triple post, but this one is in direct response to the OP's questions: it is strongly advised, if at all feasible, to have the shop selling the heads do the entire install as well. They are better equipped and more knowledgeable than any of us, and they know what works with their cylinder heads and what doesn't. Remember that it's all about the right combo. There is no way your at-home project will produce the same results as theirs. That may seem attractive initially because you are saving the labor, but if anything goes wrong, which is all too common, you are screwed and will wind up shelling out more than if you had done it through a professional the first time. By contrast, the good shops will stand behind the ENTIRE install and that includes defective parts, which occurs quite often (cams not heat-treated, defective spring, porous head castings, and the list goes on...).
So IMO, the OP should take his vehicle to Cartek and let Dave and his crew do the work. And do the cam at the same time as the heads. It all works together.
So IMO, the OP should take his vehicle to Cartek and let Dave and his crew do the work. And do the cam at the same time as the heads. It all works together.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 615
Likes: 2
From: Mill Creek WA
The AFR heads come ready to bolt on with everything you need (dual heated treated springs, Titanium retainers, hardened spring bases & locks, and new seals) for around $2350. I'm guessing from the few numbers that I've seen, that quality CNC'd 243 heads with dual springs, etc., are going to save you less than $300. For only $300 more, the AFR's look like a solid investment. Now, if you were saving a $1000, that would be a good deal.