I am currently turbocharged (14psi) running a set of Patriot Performance ported 317 heads with a less than desirable cam. I'm wanting to change my heads and cam get a more responsive motor out of boost. The motor is a 2007 LQ4. Would a set of 243 heads bump the compression too much? I do have a set of stock 317 that i can go with, but really want a nice running engine while out of boost. As far as a cam I'm thinking about a Triple 12. Any thoughts or opinions welcome.

Thanks

 

If they are already ported just get them milled for super cheap compared to buying different heads.

You'll bump compression and keep the ported heads.

 

Actually I'm hoping I can trade these ported heads for a stock set of 243 heads. I hear deck thickness is already an issue with stock heads.

 

You didn't state what compression, cam and stall you currently have. Also the turbo could be holding you back some on responsiveness. I guarantee you the heads are not the problem.

 

I'm not sure what my compression currently is, it's pretty much a stock LQ4. Cam spec are 226/222 .584/.581 on 115. The turbo is an 80mm compressor, 96x88 mm turbine. 1.32 AR turbine housing. Torque converter is a Circle D BP Pro Series 258mm. In boost it feels great, but out of boost it is a turd. I drove this NA for quite a while before I turboed it. It just feels flat and unresponsive. It will not spin the tires from a stop. The tune was and is good now(tuned by Allen Nelson). My old stock 5.3 and 4l60 combo felt a lot better than this combo NA.

 

It should melt the tires imo. So your compression is ~ 9.5 or so which is great for turbo boost and out of boost really. What does your converter flash to and where does the cam start to pull at? Im thinking its a mismatch and if not its your tune. I'm no expert on turbo sizes but although your setup sounds big its out of boost that is your problem. My old turbo truck was a pig with the 10.5" and 3.42s with 4l60 and 32" tires. Switched to 4.10s and knocked off .64 in the 1/8. Looser converter, 3lbs boost and retune got another .7+. Good weather another .55 all in the 1/8th. I would totally keep the heads. Its either converter- cam or tune imo. Nice setup btw bet its a runner in boost!

 

Honestly I would say the cam would be the first thing on my list to change... not the heads. They're good heads for your application.

 

I PM Stock48 about getting on of his Triple 12 cams. I hope just a cam swap fixes the sluggishness.

 

If conv. flashes to 2800 or so now it probably will with a retune.