Building heads. What components?
I've never had an interest in piecing together heads before, so I am at a bit of a loss.
I currently have a C6 Grand Sport LS3 6spd Coupe w/Dry Sump that I plan on tasking with light to moderate track duty in the near future, but am looking to try to make the valve train as bulletproof as possible. My goals may be slightly lofty, but I would like 505hp naturally aspirated at the rear wheels (gotta keep up with those Z06s, right?) with a stock bottom end. I/TB/IM/H/XP/E should be a good start, and I would like to add a set of the Trick Flow 255 heads into the mix to help with the inhaling and to match the exhaling of the motor. A cam and tune will hopefully be installed at the same time as the heads to complete the package.
Now, I have been trying to piece together what components would work best on an NA application, but all I have come up with is "lighter is better!" everywhere I look. From what I gather, Ti valves would be helpful, the rockers (and trunions?) would need to be upgraded as well as springs (dual springs? what lb. strength?), retainers, and push-rods. Any help, direction, or insight would be greatly appreciated here.
If my goals are too lofty, please, let me know.
Last edited by R_W; Sep 21, 2015 at 02:43 PM.
I've never had an interest in piecing together heads before, so I am at a bit of a loss.
I currently have a C6 Grand Sport LS3 6spd Coupe w/Dry Sump that I plan on tasking with light to moderate track duty in the near future, but am looking to try to make the valve train as bulletproof as possible. My goals may be slightly lofty, but I would like 505hp naturally aspirated at the rear wheels (gotta keep up with those Z06s, right?) with a stock bottom end. I/TB/IM/H/XP/E should be a good start, and I would like to add a set of the Trick Flow 255 heads into the mix to help with the inhaling and to match the exhaling of the motor. A cam and tune will hopefully be installed at the same time as the heads to complete the package.
Now, I have been trying to piece together what components would work best on an NA application, but all I have come up with is "lighter is better!" everywhere I look. From what I gather, Ti valves would be helpful, the rockers (and trunions?) would need to be upgraded as well as springs (dual springs? what lb. strength?), retainers, and push-rods. Any help, direction, or insight would be greatly appreciated here.
If my goals are too lofty, please, let me know.

Another great person to ask is the guy you plan on getting to tune your car. He should have an idea of what works and what he thinks is possible. no one see's dyno numbers quite as much as a tuner so that's the guy you talk to first, then get him to help you find a package that he knows works and knows the potential outcome.
Nothing is more crucial to choosing the "right" things that work together. Your tuner should be able to help you choose the right combo.
Last edited by rpmextra; Sep 21, 2015 at 11:32 PM.
When you say track duty are you referring to drag strip or road course racing?
Another great person to ask is the guy you plan on getting to tune your car. He should have an idea of what works and what he thinks is possible. no one see's dyno numbers quite as much as a tuner so that's the guy you talk to first, then get him to help you find a package that he knows works and knows the potential outcome.
Nothing is more crucial to choosing the "right" things that work together. Your tuner should be able to help you choose the right combo.
BTR is another good resource to call. Thanks!
When you say track duty are you referring to drag strip or road course racing?
"Track Duty" for me means road courses. All due respect to drag racers, but it is just not for me.
When you say track duty are you referring to drag strip or road course racing?
















