Thanks for all the input guys. I have narrowed my search for heads to the follow used options.

TEA Stage 2 241 5.7L heads Unmilled
WCCH-Edelbrock 200cc 4.8l/5.3l Milled to 52cc chamber

I think the choice is somewhat obvious, except that the WCCHs have a much smaller chamber. I think with a .058 thick gasket I'm about 11.2:1. I thought I saw a gasket that big. Can anyone confirm that?

Is there any other way to lower compression? I'm ok with the 11ish number until a go FI. But when that happens, I need a game plan to lower or I have to ditch these heads....

I can get both of these heads for about the same price within my budget. (1200)

Thanks guys,

Lance

 

I would not go that high on the compression. You are going to have issues with detonation in that very heavy avalanche, I guarantee you. Also, I would stick to GM MLS gaskets. They are much more forgiving in the surface requirement of the block and cylinder head deck.

Also, where are you getting those TEA heads from? The 241 stuff is all outdated and I doubt that it would even be better than a stock 243 head. I asked Richard (WCCH) about the 241 heads and he told me he ditched the CNC program on them like 4 years ago.

 

Agreed, only way you'd need that high of static compression is if your camshaft was designed with a high amount of overlap, that would leave you with too low of dynamic compression ratio and you'd need a high static compression ratio to make up for it. You go to far on the compression, you will be looking at real lazy ignition timing to keep it from detonating, then the thing won't be fun to drive at all.