Head Games
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 10
From: Leroy Ohio
Head Games
I'm looking to move up to heads and a cam this year. It's great that we have so many choices now. Is there a clear winner as best heads or even more importantly a manufacturer to stay away from? Is there a problem with aftermarket heads on on a '98?
Also, a local engine builder suggested porting my stock heads, any thoughts? My goal is faster 1/4 miles and maintaining relative streetability. I'll look into the cam later.
Also, a local engine builder suggested porting my stock heads, any thoughts? My goal is faster 1/4 miles and maintaining relative streetability. I'll look into the cam later.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
You need to narrow down your cam selection first. I tend to stay with low port volume heads such as the AFR's that increase velocity and the lower end of the curve. Makes for more usable power on the street.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
As for as heads, I went with the Dart 205s. They are a great bang for the buck
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Actually, there is a guy on LS1Tech who has a set for sale right now, new in box, at the original Dart price before the price increase. I think they are around $1,300 if you are interested. Handle name is "studytime".
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 10
From: Leroy Ohio
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Here's mine. If you do an advanced search in the archives (click at bottom of advanced search page) in the performance section a whole bunch will pop up.
Dart 205's
Dart 205's
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 117
I'm looking to move up to heads and a cam this year. It's great that we have so many choices now. Is there a clear winner as best heads or even more importantly a manufacturer to stay away from? Is there a problem with aftermarket heads on on a '98?
Also, a local engine builder suggested porting my stock heads, any thoughts? My goal is faster 1/4 miles and maintaining relative streetability. I'll look into the cam later.
Also, a local engine builder suggested porting my stock heads, any thoughts? My goal is faster 1/4 miles and maintaining relative streetability. I'll look into the cam later.
Those one for the results in my sig :
Christian
Last edited by miami993c297; Jan 21, 2007 at 04:45 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
I picked up approx. 30hp if my memory serves me correctly. I already had the cam and headers, so the only change was the heads, and from a blackwing to a vararam (no effect on a dyno) These changes are on an auto with the TC unlocked!
The change proably would have been even greater, but I already had a set of milled (.020) LS1 heads on the car. The low end torque change is KILLER!!There are a lot of great heads out there that put up some great peak #s, but IMO the Darts are a great head for the cost of admission.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
A good set of ported stock heads will do just as good if not better at the track against after market heads provided you have the right people working on them.
Last edited by nickolbag; Jan 22, 2007 at 03:43 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Ewing NJ
I totally agree..smaller port volume means alot of tire frying torque and 2 tons of fun..In my opinion if the engine is stock otherwise, then I would do a stock ported head and cam combo
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: (<---~ NOVA ~--->) E \ LUCK F
if they were 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
Just out of curiosity. What did you run in your 02? Your numbers with the AFRs are pretty close to what my car just made with ported 241s. I dont have any numbers yet. Still waiting for the weather to warm up.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 10
From: Leroy Ohio
Dont worry. No offense taken. Any way you get it, who wouldnt love 400+ hp& tq! My point what just that there have been a good amount of records set on ported ls6 heads and a lot of good times produced with them. I'm not knocking the aftermarkets at all. There have been a few combos now around the 500rwhp range with aftermarkets. I dont know what they run at the track though. Me personally, I like to see track numbers as opposed to dyno numbers. Cant manipulate the quarter mile times like you can a dyno.
Just out of curiosity. What did you run in your 02? Your numbers with the AFRs are pretty close to what my car just made with ported 241s. I dont have any numbers yet. Still waiting for the weather to warm up.
Just out of curiosity. What did you run in your 02? Your numbers with the AFRs are pretty close to what my car just made with ported 241s. I dont have any numbers yet. Still waiting for the weather to warm up.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
From: Issaquah Wa.
While your point is well taken,..about "good personal" doing the work,.....HOWEVER,.... I think that almost ALL the aftermarket heads will out flow reworked stock AND there is an awful lot of Information over on the "other" forum, "LS1 Tech" on this subject like the "ABSOLUTE" most comprehensive testing AND posting of those results!! the darts have had a lot that's a "lot" of ,............"concerns" about,......smoking??? Though the latest information is that all has been remedied!!! the A.F.Rs simply cant be beat though a bit near,.....pricey,.... and that leaves the, "ported LS6 heads,.. witch Im buying RIGHT NOW!! Per the advice of one of the best tuners for a thousand miles T.J.Wong!!
Last edited by vetred; Jan 26, 2007 at 09:27 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: (<---~ NOVA ~--->) E \ LUCK F
(it worked (2) 11.90s cars from a dig by a pretty good margin
) A lot guys in the area were jawing about a hidden unit (NOS) in the Z 
Because it really ran that hard....especially in 3rd
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Just want to comment on the Dart smoking issue. The only smoking issue was when a vendor ported them, from what I understand they were overported and the oil was getting in through cracks. I recieved my Dart heads, carefully disassembled them to smooth out the casting flash in the ports and re-assembled adjusting spring heights to within 0.003 overall for both heads. I re-used the Dart seals and the Dart heads use less oil than my stock 241's. It is unfortunate that Dart's reputation was hurt by this as the parts they use are top shelf. The valve springs they use are the same ones that Katech just tested and selected for thier 427 builds. Valves are drop forged and lighter than stock, even though they are a larger valve.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Hi Vetred,
I tried to PM you but it's full.
I live in Issaquah too. I have a white 01 Z06.
I'm looking at H/C options and I noticed your recent post about going with ported LS6 heads and TJ Wong. I have an extra LS6 long block - my original engine. I've been considering pulling the heads and having them ported rather than buying aftermarket heads.
Who is doing your port work? I am leaning towards Cartek at the moment but Texas Speed talks a good game and is cheaper. I just think Cartek has a better package - including intake porting, injector sizing etc.
Is TJ Wong in Oregon? I would like to know your approach to the H/C and what TJ is doing for you.
Let me know when you get a minute.
Thanks,
Ryan
I tried to PM you but it's full.
I live in Issaquah too. I have a white 01 Z06.
I'm looking at H/C options and I noticed your recent post about going with ported LS6 heads and TJ Wong. I have an extra LS6 long block - my original engine. I've been considering pulling the heads and having them ported rather than buying aftermarket heads.
Who is doing your port work? I am leaning towards Cartek at the moment but Texas Speed talks a good game and is cheaper. I just think Cartek has a better package - including intake porting, injector sizing etc.
Is TJ Wong in Oregon? I would like to know your approach to the H/C and what TJ is doing for you.
Let me know when you get a minute.
Thanks,
Ryan