Ported Heads & Options for LS3 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

calbert1999 · 09-19-2010, 03:31 PM

First off I want to start off by mentioning I'm not an expert in the field of automechanics or engineering, however, I'm looking to make some TQ/HP gains on my 2010 Camaro SS.

The plan is to have a bit of fun next year and track the vehicle. As you can see from my signature I've done a few things already to get some nice performance gains in terms of engine power to the rear wheels and traction, and now looking to see what else I can get out of the engine without artificial aspiration, however, I may install a roots type supercharger sometime in the future and must be considered as well.

Current goal is to get about 500rwhp. (currently getting around 426rwhp) a good balance of TQ/HP at around 2k+ RPM's, with a CAM upgrade, and perhaps porting the heads, and rocker lifters, and new gasket. I have a basic understanding of how the cam provides added power, intake / exhaust timing, more lift in cylinders for more air / fuel intake, but looking for a bit more information on porting the heads for better airflow, and perhaps how this help with a SC upgrade in the future (will it allow for more boost than the recommended 7-9psi for the Camaro SS?).

I searched through the search engines, and forums and are finding short names for the companies that make the brands, but can't find links to their websites. ie - PRC, GMPP, PI/MAST, AFR, TFS.
Where are their websites?
Who has been in the industry the longest?
Who is reliabale and has good support and warranties?
Who provides an overall good kit?
What about future upgrades to the engine, will I need new heads? Reasonable pricing?
Which ones will provide the best bang for the buck (TQ/HP's)?
Why Cathedral vs Rectangular vs Round ports, more air flow, less comprssion?
Why a lift kit or offset rockers, is this simply for the CAM or will it provide better flow for the SC with ported heads?

If anyone has a bit of time to share knowledge, experiences with varying product offerings for COMP CAMS, LG CAMs, and various ported heads and or websites to obtain more information, that would be great.

Working with installer of course, but being a novice comparing notes so I can make an infomed decision, ask the right questions, and evaluate the cost vs gains vs risks with the proposed solution.

DSteck · 09-20-2010, 08:58 AM

500whp is a tall order for a 6.2L. It is possible, but the cams to do that are pretty big.

Anything you're going to do to maximize naturally aspirated performance is usually not the best for forced induction. With cylinder heads, the big part of the gain comes from milling them to raise compression. Typically with a boosted setup, you don't want massive compression (unless you've got steady access to race gas or are running E85).

If you know that you're going to supercharge your car, then I wouldn't put in some monster cam and mill the heads.

calbert1999 · 09-23-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSteck

500whp is a tall order for a 6.2L. It is possible, but the cams to do that are pretty big.

Anything you're going to do to maximize naturally aspirated performance is usually not the best for forced induction. With cylinder heads, the big part of the gain comes from milling them to raise compression. Typically with a boosted setup, you don't want massive compression (unless you've got steady access to race gas or are running E85).

If you know that you're going to supercharge your car, then I wouldn't put in some monster cam and mill the heads.

Thanks, for your response. Not sure why nobody is providing any feedback on their experience with CAMing their Camaros'.
My installer as well has suggested that I don't put in a very large CAM either if I'm going to add an SC, additionally, I'm aware that a very large CAM won't make for a good daily drive considering it will most likely have to idle rev at around 1200 - 1500 rpm's. which could be very pricey I'm sure.

The recommended CAM size given is .610 with a .114 lift.

I'm wondering though if the ported heads are really worth it not installing an SC. I understand they will allow the engine to breath better, which most likely is a good thing for an SC, but what if any gains will there be without an SC.

There are lots of post regarding G6X3 or X4 CAM's making 495rwhp. wondering if there's an truth to that.
Here's one example.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99657

DSteck · 09-24-2010, 08:21 AM

My friend's LS2 Corvette put down 467rwhp with a G6X3 and L92 heads. It's possibly to get close to 500whp on an LS3 since there's some extra displacement, but the drivability suffers.

If you're going to supercharge the car, then just wait to change anything else until you have the blower.

calbert1999 · 09-24-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSteck

My friend's LS2 Corvette put down 467rwhp with a G6X3 and L92 heads. It's possibly to get close to 500whp on an LS3 since there's some extra displacement, but the drivability suffers.

If you're going to supercharge the car, then just wait to change anything else until you have the blower.

Actually, that's what I'm starting to think. It seems like it might be a better idea to get the blower, see the power gains, and then start other upgrades from there to see if there are any imporved power gains after that. However, seems like much more labour involed to do it that way.

Jason 98 TA · 09-24-2010, 04:31 PM

Checkout www.texas-speed.com. We have some camshafts & head packages that will get you right in that area. We carefully setup our camshafts to make sure of proper p/v while developing our combos. My TSP H/C package made 500rwhp in my car

calbert1999 · 11-21-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason 98 TA

Checkout www.texas-speed.com. We have some camshafts & head packages that will get you right in that area. We carefully setup our camshafts to make sure of proper p/v while developing our combos. My TSP H/C package made 500rwhp in my car

I've recently upgraded to a Comp blower CAM (springs, et al), rods, and Crane rockers. Next will be the SC. At this point though really struggling with Ported Heads and Throttle Body upgrades. Wondering if they'll make any "real" gains when installing the SC. Throttle body and heads are quite expensive, and I don't want to spend all that $ for 20hp. if that's all I'm going to get.
Doesn't seem to be any real comparative analysis on same SC with or without ported heads / TB.

Jason 98 TA · 11-22-2010, 10:04 AM

Heads will add approx. 20rwhp on a n/a application so it's easy to see it can do considerably more on the boost applications.

calbert1999 · 11-22-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason 98 TA

Heads will add approx. 20rwhp on a n/a application so it's easy to see it can do considerably more on the boost applications.

Seems to make logical sense, but seems like no one can proivde evidence of that fact, considering the word is the OE heads flow quite effeciently.

Brent_$$ · 11-22-2010, 03:06 PM

If u are going to put a super charger on your car and your goal is 500 rwhp all u need is cold air intake, long tube headers, and a prof tune will have u past 500 rwhp. In my opinion porting heads cost bs benifit is off with other options to give larger gains. And there are specific blower cams for supercharged engines determine super charging or not so u don't waste money on cam and tune then need to replace when u add the blower. I am at 550 rwhp and all I have done was tvs2300, 1 7/8 long tub w high flow cats magnaflow comp exhaust cold air intake, and tune.

Brent_$$ · 11-22-2010, 03:17 PM

Besides passing the 500- 550 rwhp mark , changes to Clutch, drive shaft, axles, and fuel system is a must. So looking at $6000 in this area then forged internal would be very wise before adding a blower cam and a meth kit for more hp. This is the direction I am going in ( but I have new swaybars, toe links trailing arms and frame bracing for handling) myself and am calculating close to 650 to 700 rwhp.

calbert1999 · 11-23-2010, 03:41 PM

@Brent_$$; You seem to be moving is similar direction as myself. I've done the blower CAM just recently and some stronger internals too (springs, rods, rockers). Previously, I had CAI, headers, and new exhaust along with a bunch of suspension upgrades. Car handles really nice at around 470rwhp. but a little bit of wheel hop (stop n' go). Next is control arms, subframe bushings and perhaps diff bushings, before the TVS2300 SC install and meth kit. I'm really hoping for around 650rwhp. with this setup at about 9psi.
Wondering though at that point is there anything else besides stroking the engine that would provide higher gains, thus my question regarding ported heads and such.

silverfox · 11-23-2010, 05:49 PM

These mast motorsports heads are going on my new 427 stroker build going on at VA. SPEED.
Flow close to 400cfm but not good for most peoples bank account!

calbert1999 · 11-23-2010, 06:09 PM

Nice. I don't mind the cost just not sure if they're going to provide any real benefit for the costs. I won't be stroking the engine anytime soon.

09-19-2010, 03:31 PM	#1
calbert1999 Camaro SS Lover Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black IOM Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 2,862	Ported Heads & Options for LS3 First off I want to start off by mentioning I'm not an expert in the field of automechanics or engineering, however, I'm looking to make some TQ/HP gains on my 2010 Camaro SS. The plan is to have a bit of fun next year and track the vehicle. As you can see from my signature I've done a few things already to get some nice performance gains in terms of engine power to the rear wheels and traction, and now looking to see what else I can get out of the engine without artificial aspiration, however, I may install a roots type supercharger sometime in the future and must be considered as well. Current goal is to get about 500rwhp. (currently getting around 426rwhp) a good balance of TQ/HP at around 2k+ RPM's, with a CAM upgrade, and perhaps porting the heads, and rocker lifters, and new gasket. I have a basic understanding of how the cam provides added power, intake / exhaust timing, more lift in cylinders for more air / fuel intake, but looking for a bit more information on porting the heads for better airflow, and perhaps how this help with a SC upgrade in the future (will it allow for more boost than the recommended 7-9psi for the Camaro SS?). I searched through the search engines, and forums and are finding short names for the companies that make the brands, but can't find links to their websites. ie - PRC, GMPP, PI/MAST, AFR, TFS. Where are their websites? Who has been in the industry the longest? Who is reliabale and has good support and warranties? Who provides an overall good kit? What about future upgrades to the engine, will I need new heads? Reasonable pricing? Which ones will provide the best bang for the buck (TQ/HP's)? Why Cathedral vs Rectangular vs Round ports, more air flow, less comprssion? Why a lift kit or offset rockers, is this simply for the CAM or will it provide better flow for the SC with ported heads? If anyone has a bit of time to share knowledge, experiences with varying product offerings for COMP CAMS, LG CAMs, and various ported heads and or websites to obtain more information, that would be great. Working with installer of course, but being a novice comparing notes so I can make an infomed decision, ask the right questions, and evaluate the cost vs gains vs risks with the proposed solution. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS, P1SC SuperCharged Livernois LSX429ci., 1 7/8" LT Headers, full 3" MBRP exhaust, SPI built/tuned, a total Last edited by calbert1999; 09-20-2010 at 12:35 AM.

11-23-2010, 03:41 PM	#12
calbert1999 Camaro SS Lover Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black IOM Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 2,862	@Brent_$$; You seem to be moving is similar direction as myself. I've done the blower CAM just recently and some stronger internals too (springs, rods, rockers). Previously, I had CAI, headers, and new exhaust along with a bunch of suspension upgrades. Car handles really nice at around 470rwhp. but a little bit of wheel hop (stop n' go). Next is control arms, subframe bushings and perhaps diff bushings, before the TVS2300 SC install and meth kit. I'm really hoping for around 650rwhp. with this setup at about 9psi. Wondering though at that point is there anything else besides stroking the engine that would provide higher gains, thus my question regarding ported heads and such. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS, P1SC SuperCharged Livernois LSX429ci., 1 7/8" LT Headers, full 3" MBRP exhaust, SPI built/tuned, a total

11-23-2010, 05:49 PM	#13
silverfox Drives: 2010 camaro ss Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: portsmouth,va. Posts: 502 View My Garage	These mast motorsports heads are going on my new 427 stroker build going on at VA. SPEED. Flow close to 400cfm but not good for most peoples bank account! Attached Images __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Va.Speed built 427 stroker LS2 Darton sleeved 427 stroker.Callies dragonslayer crankshaft. Callies I beam rods. Wiseco blower pistons. Mast cnc 12 degree big bore ls3 heads-2.2 intake &1.6 ex. 6 bolt 270cc-.750 deck. Lunati link bar lifters.T&D roller rockers.COMP-VA. Speed special cam 605 lift, 238dur. Procharger F1R @15psi. ARH headers with custom 3'' exhaust all the way.Magnaflow mufflers. QTP cutouts.Rossler built 6l80e trans. DSS 1400hp axles. Pfadt suspension.-Coilovers, sway bars,motor mounts,trailing arms. Aeromotive eliminater pump. 907rwhp.

11-23-2010, 06:09 PM	#14
calbert1999 Camaro SS Lover Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Black IOM Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 2,862	Nice. I don't mind the cost just not sure if they're going to provide any real benefit for the costs. I won't be stroking the engine anytime soon. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS, P1SC SuperCharged Livernois LSX429ci., 1 7/8" LT Headers, full 3" MBRP exhaust, SPI built/tuned, a total

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09-20-2010, 08:58 AM	#2
DSteck Account Suspended Drives: 2006 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 587	500whp is a tall order for a 6.2L. It is possible, but the cams to do that are pretty big. Anything you're going to do to maximize naturally aspirated performance is usually not the best for forced induction. With cylinder heads, the big part of the gain comes from milling them to raise compression. Typically with a boosted setup, you don't want massive compression (unless you've got steady access to race gas or are running E85). If you know that you're going to supercharge your car, then I wouldn't put in some monster cam and mill the heads.

09-24-2010, 08:21 AM	#4
DSteck Account Suspended Drives: 2006 Corvette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 587	My friend's LS2 Corvette put down 467rwhp with a G6X3 and L92 heads. It's possibly to get close to 500whp on an LS3 since there's some extra displacement, but the drivability suffers. If you're going to supercharge the car, then just wait to change anything else until you have the blower.

09-24-2010, 04:31 PM	#6
Jason 98 TA Drives: Camaro Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,670	Checkout www.texas-speed.com. We have some camshafts & head packages that will get you right in that area. We carefully setup our camshafts to make sure of proper p/v while developing our combos. My TSP H/C package made 500rwhp in my car

11-22-2010, 10:04 AM	#8
Jason 98 TA Drives: Camaro Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,670	Heads will add approx. 20rwhp on a n/a application so it's easy to see it can do considerably more on the boost applications.

11-22-2010, 03:06 PM	#10
Brent_$$ Warp drive in development Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS (Becca Bumble Bee) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 57 View My Garage	If u are going to put a super charger on your car and your goal is 500 rwhp all u need is cold air intake, long tube headers, and a prof tune will have u past 500 rwhp. In my opinion porting heads cost bs benifit is off with other options to give larger gains. And there are specific blower cams for supercharged engines determine super charging or not so u don't waste money on cam and tune then need to replace when u add the blower. I am at 550 rwhp and all I have done was tvs2300, 1 7/8 long tub w high flow cats magnaflow comp exhaust cold air intake, and tune.

11-22-2010, 03:17 PM	#11
Brent_$$ Warp drive in development Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS (Becca Bumble Bee) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Valdosta, GA Posts: 57 View My Garage	Besides passing the 500- 550 rwhp mark , changes to Clutch, drive shaft, axles, and fuel system is a must. So looking at $6000 in this area then forged internal would be very wise before adding a blower cam and a meth kit for more hp. This is the direction I am going in ( but I have new swaybars, toe links trailing arms and frame bracing for handling) myself and am calculating close to 650 to 700 rwhp.