depends on what your goals are. if you are looking for big power na then go aftermarket. if you want a mild build na then work the 243's. AI in north carolina does great work on heads.

 

Depending on your goals and budget, either will work. That's why I prefer to supply all the options for my customers. Combinations and requirements will vary and all issues must be considered when building a package.

BTW... here's a set of ported 243 heads I'm working on for a forum member. We're not the cheapest, just the best!

 

MmMmMmMmmmmmmmm


:wall:

 

I saw a post somewhere that showed that the stock 243's flow very well. I'd have them cleaned up by a pro.
Save the aftermarket heads for use with a big cam and high rpm use. You will see gains with the aftermarket, but the $$$$ might not be worth the hp gain.

the answer is, how's you mod fund look. healthy? get some heads.

 

Man those look good Ed!

 

3 angle valve job maybe?
If I were to go with ported heads of any kind. I would look into something CNC'd and EDC would be my first stop.

 

The ported 243's can perform well but a nice aftermarket head like a Trickflow usually always outperforms them. Total Engine Airflow does great work on the 243's.

 

That's the kind of info I was looking for.

Thanks

 

If you decide on new heads, you will have to decide between aftermarket cathedral port heads, or Ls3/L92 rectangle port heads. If you are buying new heads why not upgrade to the rectangle port.

Like I said, how's your mod fund look.
I think you can get a nice pair of cathedral port Trickflows, or a L92/L76 head and intake kit for about the same price.

:dunno:

You might want to get a cam and head package to match each other.

 

Haven't really looked at the big picture yet.

I will have an ls2 block to work with that may be pieced together over time if it's still in good shape, otherwise this would be for a stock ls2 with the SS-HT (if the cam is still in good shape).

 

Ed did a very nice job prepping my AFR heads. They are making good power for me.

 

wat kinda flow numbers people getting out there ported 243s?

 

+1 ??

 

A local guy with a built LS2 and a set of AFR 225s told me once that he wished he would have just stayed with the 243s or had them ported. $2,500+ bucks and he gained like 18-20whp.

Do some head flow searching here or @ tech and you'll find the post by AFR that shows stock 243s stepping toe to toe with the AFR 225s.

For the price I would go FlowTechInduction/Ed Curtis all day with my 243s. AFRs are just not enough difference for the price IMO. Good luck with your decision.

 

man with that kind of info i guess afr will be going out of business.

 

^ +1

 

and besides no one said PP the 243's made MORE power its a matter of the afrs not making enough power for the money to be worth it... if you have the budget go for it, however for most people PP the 243's is a good enough power gain for the money since you are only losing just a couple hp to the afrs.

 

How Much Would It Cost To Get The 243s Done By A Good Shop?

 

Bang for the buck I'd say just port your stock heads. You will gain more power, but at high price. But hey, if you can swing it:dunno:

L92 heads stock flow near or over what many aftermarket CNC'd heads flow, have you thought about them?

 

The AFR is an aftermarket casting, therefore it will have better waterjackets for cooling purposes, a thicker deck for higher power output with big cubes, nitrous, or FI, and the ability to have 6 bolts if you want to use an LSX block for even more clamping power....

the 243's are just fine if you are playing on the kiddie slide and making sub-500hp numbers...and just occasionally track the car. (myself included)

but for a max-effort build you cannot beat AFR, ETP, TEA, etc because of the benefits behind the "Dyno numbers or Flow numbers" because in reality these mean squat.

 

If it were me Dart 225 warmed over by ED......
Dart casting is very good, they just need alittle attention

Next on the list,Ed's 243's.....

Nuff said......

 

Since you are a LS2 - couldn't agree more.

Steve

 

I touched mine up myself using help from forums and other engine builders i know. Not saying its for everyone but the guys at East Texas Muscle Cars seemed pretty surprised to my car making 425 hp with my " little" cam. .228/.228, .588.588 on 112

 

Ed that is an amazing price for such an out standing product
Guys you cant beat this with a stick,I know where my next set of 243's are going

 

...now i just need to find some 243 cores.

would 241 heads ported ported the same way with 2.02 valves flow as well (or almost as well) as these 243's?

 

I think if I remeber correct you can get ported 241's to beat stock 243's and thats about it. Something about the casting of the 241's, I think its the valve seats, doesnt let you shape the bowl as well as the 243's. You end up hitting the water jackets or something along those lines.

 

I personally agree that ported heads are a better a bang for the buck. Interesting though that when you mention a FAST intake that will run you close to 1K for an INTAKE, tons of people pile on them and dump all over the ported intakes for 600-700 less. :dunno:

 

Ed, sent you an email on Friday about my 'custom' build (heads & cam request, TBSS)!

 

props to edc. those worked 243 pics are beautious.

 

LS2junkie hit the nail on the head!!!
Its not always about how much power the heads add, if you have a power adder already then the majority of folks are buying aftermarket heads for durability and longevity, not to make more power. At 800hp where stock heads would blow gaskets, lift, or push water the aftermarket heads will be doing just fine.
You have to look at the big picture, and account for all variables. If you are looking for mid 400's or high 400's worked heads and good cam would be a good way to go because the stock heads can stand up to that kind of abuse just fine.

 

The gaskets and head bolts/hardware that are used seem to have more of an affect on pushing water or lifting.

Agreed that I wouldn't start looking at aftermarket heads until I was making over 500 whp.

 

For those who are interested, I received these heads yesterday... They are spectacular!!! I took some pics and will be posting them up as soon as I get to a computer.