Im new to the board, but i had a question for ya'll. Im looking at upgrading the heads i have on my 5.3L 'rado. Which heads flow better? the LS1 heads or the 6.0L truck heads? thanks for any help you can give me.

 

Go with the 6.0L heads and get them milled down a little to jump the compression back up.
The 5.3 and LS1 heads are the same......but the the combustion chamber on the LS1 is a little larger. Just get the 6.0L heads...get some mild port work and mill them down some.

 

Thanks for the help! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

 

Yep

Go with the 6.0L heads. They are basically a LS6 casting with bigger combustion chambers.

You will definately need to have them milled to bring your compression ratio back up but, they will outflow a similiar LS1 head.

The price for bare castings is pretty good also, IF you can get a set. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

Johnnie

 

Make sure they are 2001+ aluminum heads.

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread...threadid=67652

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Neil 6.0:
<strong>Make sure they are 2001+ aluminum heads.

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=12bf5d937b01939a22722cafe3153be0& threadid =67652</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Definately make sure they are the aluminum heads.

Damn, I'm going to have to call Shaun up. I was supposed to be on a waiting list for a set of those heads. <img border="0" alt="[whiner]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" />

Thanks Neil for linking to that thread or else I might have never known. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

Johnnie

 

The 6.0L heads have a larger bore and may not be the best choice for a 5.3. The swirl and burn patterns will be far from optimal with a step from the larger bore of the head to the smaller of the cylinder wall (imagine a mushroom shaped combustion chamber.) I have gone through this already and purchased some 6.0L heads which were completely useless, unless I wanted to spend the money to reshape the combustion chamber $$$$$ or change the bore.

The 6.0L and LS6 do share some traits (D-shaped ports-not identical) but are far from being the same casting when comparing SS/LS radius and port volume.

I then purchased some LS6 heads which I am having Valley Head Service do a "stage II" port/polish job with new 2.02/1.60 Ferrera stainless valves, comp 987 springs, and decked to get 10.1 compresion. I've had money tied up in excess of $4500 between the two sets of heads.

Richard

 

I guess I got a deal when I bought a 2001 complete 6.0L engine for $100. Sad thing is I think I coulda got it for $75. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

I know NOW...I am getting a GM buy back motor for $400 complete. The next project motor will start to form soon.

Richard

 

damn you guys gotta hook me up on these prices! im sitting there wanting to buy a crank for 350 when ur buyin a whole engine! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> haha, hook a brotha up! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />