I need opinions on Heads/cam purchase

[Mr2Hard2See]

So my 2014 zl1 buddy is shooting for 1000 crank hp. With that being said he’s upgrading once again and has heads/cam for sale. Parts have 10k mileage.

My plan as some of you may know is to go LSA. My ride is just a L99 with bolt-ons, full exhaust, 3.91’s , Eaton truetrac and dod :(

You guys think spending $900 would be a good investment for my build?

Parts
Lingenfelter cam Gt14
223/235 duration @ .050 lift - .610/.620 lift with 1.7 rocker 115.0 CL

4863 stock LSA Heads with
Dual Springs, titanium retainers, locks, seals.

[Mr2Hard2See]

From my understanding buying the 863 heads should take care of most of the d.o.d items. Except the valley cover, timing cover, gear but I could buy a vvt delete kit for that right?

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

Being a PD blower you can delete the VVT without loosing low end torque. Looks like a bargain upgrade to me. Don't forget an intercooler. Those LSA can heat soak pretty quickly.

[Mr2Hard2See]

Thanks I have a couple ideas for my cooling needs. I’m really leaning towards this purchase now thanks

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

See if those heads had a trunion upgrade too. This is important.

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingBananaSS

See if those heads had a trunion upgrade too. This is important.

I agree 100%

Also, some may disagree with me, but I would be against reusing his friend's springs. This is the easiest chance to swap them out with freshies. Since they already have 10k miles on them they are already halfway through recommended change out.

I'm sure they'd be fine, but it's more of a 'do it while in there and know where you stand' thing.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

I agree 100%

Also, some may disagree with me, but I would be against reusing his friend's springs. This is the easiest chance to swap them out with freshies. Since they already have 10k miles on them they are already halfway through recommended change out.

Great suggestion.

[InFiD3ViL]

Yeah, this is a really good deal. Then you will have a set of spare 823 heads to sell to recoup money. I sold mine for $550 and they were bought quick. (Facebook Marketplace)

Now I wish I had kept them though lol, since my L99 block had no damage.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

Originally Posted by Mr2Hard2See

From my understanding buying the 863 heads should take care of most of the d.o.d items. Except the valley cover, timing cover, gear but I could buy a vvt delete kit for that right?

You can also buy those items separately too. The big issue is the lifters. Make sure you change out the VVT lifters and you should be ok. I would also put in an LS2 dogbone chain guide and lifter trays.

[Aqua Blue RS/SS]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

Yeah, this is a really good deal. Then you will have a set of spare 823 heads to sell to recoup money. I sold mine for $550 and they were bought quick. (Facebook Marketplace)

Now I wish I had kept them though lol, since my L99 block had no damage.

I agree with everything said so far, also if it has trunnions check them to make sure they are still in good condition. I’ve read of cheaper trunnions failing.


Also, LY6 and L96 truck 6.0’s are another good source for 823’s. My LY6 has them.

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingBananaSS

You can also buy those items separately too. The big issue is the lifters. Make sure you change out the VVT lifters and you should be ok. I would also put in an LS2 dogbone chain guide and lifter trays.

Yup, although he would have to change them anyway for that cam. But I would definitely replace all 16. Lifters are the one spot where I wouldn't play around with trying to save money.

Definitely agree on the LS2 style dogbone tensioner and an absolute must to change the lifter trays for the new lifters (Only use GM trays!). When I did mine I replaced my timing chain with a GM Performance direct replacement for like $40ish - kind of a 'while your in there' choice. I wasn't looking for an upgrade as much as I just wanted fresh parts.

Some will say upgrade the oil pump too, but the HV pump in the L99 is a very stout unit and not prone to issues like the LS3 pump is. Unless very high miles he can probably get away with reusing the L99 pump just fine.