Hey guys I've searched and searched without much luck, is there anywhere you can still get new, as cast 243 heads? No luck on SDPC, jegs or summit, unless I'm just a bone head, everywhere tries to sell LS3 rectangle port heads. Or CNC'D 243'S for more than I want to spend, I know I can mill my 317'S down but I had read that the 243'S have a better chamber design and other subtle differences that yield more power than a similar CC'd 317.

 

Dealer and order a set of heads for a 2007-up 5.3... They will come as either 799 or 243s....

 

Ill have to check that out, I'll probably just end up sending my stock heads to TSP so they can work their magic, depending on how much the 243's will cost me......usually shipping anything from up here in ak, especially larger heavier items is stupid expensive.

 

Why not buy a set of take off heads from eBay, or local salvage yard? The you can do what ever you want with the heads and not down your truck

 

Yeah, i haven't checked with local salvage yards (the few there are) but usually they act like their **** is made of gold. Ebay im wary of, lots either wont ship here or want as much for shipping as the heads cost, would still be money ahead over buying new castings but theres no guarantee of what ya get. Having my truck down doesnt matter, i have two and work out of town so a two week turn around is no problem. I found a local machine shop that i may trust with the work, theres one "reputable" one about an hours drive away, but they think their **** is made of gold too lol. Im going to see what the dealership wants when i get back to town and weigh my options between them, the local machine shop, or TSP.

 

Where do you live?

I've been looking for a spare set of 243s. eBay seems to have the better deals, especially since I'd prefer bare.

 

I'm in Alaska, getting stuff shipped here is a joke generally, some people just flat out refuse, even if I'm willing to pay, I'm betting getting just heads shipped would be in the 200 to 300 range. I did manage to shop around and get my headers shipped up for $188, which was the best deal by far, most wanted around 300.

 

Alaska, nice. Never been but always wanted to visit. It's so beautiful up there.
Where in AK?

That sucks.
Maybe someone on the forums can work with yah. If I was on the West Coast I'd try to help you out but being in NC, it would cost a butt load to ship it fo sho.

 

Check out BBJ automotive cores. They have good prices on genIII genIV stuff and sell a ton of it on eBay. They're in Lorena Texas

 

Ls1tech or corvetteforum.com are your best bets. For what you will spend for a new set your better off getting a used set and having them worked a bit. Or for what they cost new find a decent set of aftermarket worked heads. Be stupid on my opinion to buy a set of new 243 when you can get yours worked over for the same price, or get a set worked over already and be better after its all said and done. Just my .02