I have an 05 silverado with 5.3. Developed the dreaded cracked head (castech). I've found a set of 243 heads to swap out. Truck already has a cold air intake. Diablo predator and cat back exhaust.
1) do I need to mill the heads to get proper compression ratio?
2) thinking of a cam swap to take advantage of the better heads while it's apart. Recomendations? Nothing crazy as I use it mostly for pulling my boat or atv trailer.
3) which short tube headers? Don't want the expense of going to lt's.

Thanks for your input

 

Yeah, you'll need to mill the heads about .020" to get the CR to equal the 5.3 heads. Comp Cams 212/218 low lift with LS6 springs seems to be a good truck combo.

 

Thanks for your reply. WOW 177 veiws and only 1 response....HMMMM

 

+1. I would mill the heads about .30 for the compression, dont forget to check the lifter preload when you mill the heads.

 

x 2 i milled my heads .12 bumped up the compression alittle but bairly cleared 7.4 rods id deff check em before you bolt them down

 

My heads are milled .025 and I needed a 7.375" push rod for proper preload.