2004 Tahoe, 5.3l 243 head swap
02-22-2018, 01:49 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2004 Tahoe, 5.3l 243 head swap
Hello everyone,
I have a 2004 Tahoe that unfortunately has the castech head porous issue. I am able to aquire a set of 243 heads for free.
So.. I have done some research and it looks like I can run these heads and actually get some power gain and get rid of my coolant loss into the oil all in one. Win win!
So here's my question as I haven't found a clear answer.. I know the heads must be milled .030 to keep the factory compression ratio. But is that all that's needed? Will all the factory gaskets fit correctly?
The motor has almost 160k on it but has been maintained very well. If this is all possible, I plan to just mill the heads and drop them on and call it good. Any other info would be appreciated!
I have a 2004 Tahoe that unfortunately has the castech head porous issue. I am able to aquire a set of 243 heads for free.
So.. I have done some research and it looks like I can run these heads and actually get some power gain and get rid of my coolant loss into the oil all in one. Win win!
So here's my question as I haven't found a clear answer.. I know the heads must be milled .030 to keep the factory compression ratio. But is that all that's needed? Will all the factory gaskets fit correctly?
The motor has almost 160k on it but has been maintained very well. If this is all possible, I plan to just mill the heads and drop them on and call it good. Any other info would be appreciated!
02-22-2018, 10:41 AM
#2
Yes, they'll be fine, but before you do, consider the 862s made more power with a cam. If this is a daily driver and no plans for forced induction, you may be better off selling those for $350 or so and buying a set of 862s for $150. Hell, get the 862s cut .030 and pick up some there...probably gonna get slammed for saying this..haha
Surprising HP Numbers From Our Stock LS Cylinder Head Test
Surprising HP Numbers From Our Stock LS Cylinder Head Test
02-22-2018, 11:23 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I believe the heads on there are the 862 heads. Which is surprising because it was typically the 706 heads that had the porous issue.
It's a daily driven Tahoe just to get the family around. While I would like to get a little extra power out of it as its kinda lacking, it's not my main concern.
It's a daily driven Tahoe just to get the family around. While I would like to get a little extra power out of it as its kinda lacking, it's not my main concern.
02-22-2018, 11:45 AM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yup the 243 also have the castech logo. But have never heard of one of those having the porous issue. It was certainly worse on the 706 heads. But I guess can happen on the 862 also obviously.
I'm stuck between wanting to swap the heads and just throwing some form of "quality" (blue devil) stop leak in there
I'm stuck between wanting to swap the heads and just throwing some form of "quality" (blue devil) stop leak in there