[PQ]

Originally Posted by FASST 1

PQ, I have about the same situation as you and this was what I decided. I decided that I wanted to get rid of the AMF lifters because of the risk of a failure, therefore the heads had to come off. I wanted to get the most out of a blower cam so I decided to do the LS3 conversion. I was unsure about getting a TC. I spoke with New Era. They have a blower cam that "reportedly" will get you 65rwhp on the stock TC and like stock drivability. 65rwhp is pretty good for a blower cam even those that require a higher stall TC. I was going to port my heads since they were off, but the more I read the gain was only 30 hp, if lucky. Additionlly, some have reported a LOSS when porting the heads. I finally decided for about the same money I could get a TC. A higher stall TC has reportedly decreased 1/4 mile times by 0.5 seconds. That is a hell of a lot more than you will get with ported heads and maybe even the cam. Even with a higher stall TC I went with the New Era cam. This is an option if you want to do the TC later.

This is actually what I'm thinking. I'll wait a bit more for more VVT info and experience then decide final. But I definitely want LS7 lifters.

Originally Posted by Supercharged SS

Ted told me the same exact thing. When we did the forged build we didn't have a budget and bought the best parts available but when it came to the heads the machinist had a CNC program that might have gained 15-20 for $800. We opted to stick with the stock heads. PQ, for your build the stockers will be good to go.

I believe you're right. And anyway, my borla headers aren't conducive to gain with ported heads I don't think.

Originally Posted by Hesh

They are 12 degree cnc'ed heads. Ive found the whole package for around $3500. Heads are expensive and everyone is right, its hard to justify the cost for about 25-30hp gains for heads. The Mast Stage 3 is said to get 125hp for head and cam package. The whole package also comes with the phase restrictor, ls-7 kit to replace the lifters, and pushrods. So you get the AFM delete, and keep the VVT.

Sound like I'm narrowing it down. It's gonna come down to simple VVT and modest gains, or LS3 and a little more agressive but choppy.

Originally Posted by Darth_Emma

We're going to see what the boost is when my car is on the dyno. Not only might the ported heads reduce boost, but the cam can contribute to that as well. If my boost drops, then we'll drop the pulley size to 3.4" from the 3.6" pulley I currently have.

We have very similar builds, Randy. What my car does should be similar to yours. Watch my build thread over the next two weeks to see.

Are you dynoing the car with your 22s?

If so, I'll be looking forward to the base dyno result to compare to your previous one.