[Kags1969]

So I am trying to find the most cost effective horsepower available and I think that LS3 Heads may be a really good option. I have been reading here, ls1tech, ls2gto, corvetteforum and various other places about swapping ls3 heads onto my LS2. After reading here is what I think I will need and various prices:

LS3 heads - $750/pair from sdparts
Comp Beehive springs ~ $180
Takeoff LS3 Intake/fuel rail/injectors - $290
LS3 head gaskets/bolts ~120
LS3 Intake rockers and pedestals ~130
Texas Speed 224R 224/224 .581"/.581" Camshaft - $380
Dynotune - $450
Sell 243 heads and intake ($400)


So for ~$1900 I think this will put down some good numbers and be very street-able.

I know that it is fairly common for the GTO guys to mill the head .030 to get back to stock LS2 compression, I think this adds about $100, just not sure if its worth it...

I can do the install myself with a buddy, so only beer cost there...

Am I missing anything? looking for constructive input....

The only real downside I see on this setup is that it eliminates adding a maggie later on....

Kags

 

[Kags1969]

The LS3 heads flow much better out of the box. Now if you were to send the ls2 heads to TEA or AI and had them ported (1k-1.5k) then they would flow ~ the same/better then ls3 heads....

- It seems like on the ls3 heads you really dont have to go crazy with the cam to get good results...

 

[Kags1969]

The other challenge with the ls2 setup is the intake doesn't flow nearly as well as the ls3 intake. So if you port the LS2 heads you are then dealing with a restriction at the intake.. The Fast102 stuff runs about a grand if you want to upgrade in that direction (do you have to get new fuel rails with the fast or will it work with the stock stuff?), but a grand for an intake just hurts my feelings...

I have been reading that the intake upgrade for the LS3 guys (to the fast) doesn't yield near the results as for the ls2 cathedral head guys...

I have to fight the urge to buy AFR 205 heads and then slap a Maggie on it... I am trying to find the sweet spot on the power to cash ratio....