I've got a 6.0 with iron heads right now. Im trying to figure out if i will see any better performance with aluminum heads over the iron ones. I know heat is a good thing on turbo setups, and with the low compression of the lq4 detonation isn't really much of a concern.

So do you think that there would be much of a difference, and if so is it worth the price of buying 317 heads?

 

check the classifieds, im pretty sure someone here is selling from 317 heads for 300$ i think iron heads would be the best for a turbo application

 

I don't think you will see any significant performance differences with aluminum over the steel heads. Jerry2500 on here has a steel head 6.0 motor with the STS kit and makes some good power with it. Other then the material difference they are exactly the same. If it were me, I'd keep the steel ones and put the money into more productive parts of the build.

 

The only advantage I can see with the iron is resistance to detonation. This will become and issue as you up the boost though. The solution would be to back the timing down, which will cost you some power. But then again maybe more heat will make it into the exhaust. Another advantage of the aluminum is the weight savings.

 

I concur. Everytime I have an opportunity to save weight, I do my best to do it. Kind of like free performance.

 

yup am with vgorilla

 

true, but it wouldn't be free because i would have to buy the heads. I'd end up paying 3-4 hundred for about a 50lb weight savings.

Unless there is a good amount of power difference between them, like at least 15hp then i think i'll stick with the iron heads for now.

 

aluminum will disipate heat better...heat is an enemy to a boosted engine...iron will hold up to more abuse though

 

exhaust heat is the best friend a turbo can have...

 

not when alluminum melts at like 1450 deg......
Keep the iron heads, put the money into a nice boost controler, or toward a good stall torque converter. Keep your eyes open for a KILLER deal on some heads if you must.......... but thats just me...

This is parish8 head, I think he said it went lean and had some detonation, but I wonder if it would have done it if it was a steal head?????