Buy or Port Heads???

[SS/GNX]

If my goals are just mid to high 11s and I want to get there without running tons of boost, Im going to need heads.

Would you guys recommend buying a good set of heads, or having the stockers ported and polished?

I am still looking to use the stock cam for now, but would like the option to switch to roller in the future.

If my best option is to have my stockers ported, then anyone know a GREAT machine shop for turbo buick heads around Chicago? I know one, but he only ports aluminum heads.

 

[DCVING 6]

I have a brand new in box set of Champion irons and ported intake if you decide to buy.

 

[Just a Six??]

FrankG on the board does real nice port work! Thing is to really max them out after the valves & springs etc its almost the same cost as Champions. Better to find a used set already done & then let someone spend a few more hours really going thru them. Thats how I got mine & they flow the same as Champion & were about $500 less when it was all said & done.

 

[Russ Merritt]

PM sent.

 

[QUIP'6']

khai at kn performance he will do your heads, intake and doghouse with bigger valves and flow is on top of others or equal. they will come ready to bolt on beadbasted and painted. send him an email at knperformance@hotmail.com. it will be cheaper than all others with all three items getting done

 

[gnandy]

I have a brand new in box set of Champion irons and ported intake if you decide to buy.

im interested how much

 

[SPOOLFOOL2]

Champion cnc ported irons with ported intake rock. The'll do them with or without EGR hole. They also machine the rocker pedestals for roller rockers.

 

[salvageV6]

For your goals I'd try to do it myself if I had the time, heads are about $100 a set or they were when I bought a spare set.

Instructions are on gnttype.org or at least they used to be, maybe even available in a search here.

I'd have someone like Frank G. or Russ do a simple job on it not a full race port assuming they have stages they do to stockers in at various pricing.

You probably could get there at realtively low boost with a DIY port and stock valves and cam.

Pump gas and alky. cars on stockers can meet your goals at 23-27 psi.

I don't consider that to be tons of boost on relatively low timing with an alky. chip.

I'd want low 11's or high tens out of a good $$$ set of ported irons.

Just my .02 from reading it all. :smile:

Good luck.

 

[fastlikeanascar]

Just buy nice set, After going with bigger valve & all my port work I'm into mine close to a $1000

 

[Russ Merritt]

I'd have someone like Frank G. or Russ do a simple job on it not a full race port assuming they have stages they do to stockers in at various pricing.

Absolutely do.

 

[TurboBuRick]

I have a brand new in box set of Champion irons and ported intake if you decide to buy.

Gary, I would buy these off Glen. If they are the ones I'm thinking of, they come off someone's car you know.

Glen, I want to see you in a Buick this spring. Life is too short you have to enjoy it while you can.

Rick

 

[SS/GNX]

I know who and what you are talking about Rick. Just waiting to see if I can use them with stock cam and a price. im in line first, right Glen? ha ha.

Once I know what is available to me and will work best with my setup I will make a decision.

 

[DCVING 6]

I know who and what you are talking about Rick. Just waiting to see if I can use them with stock cam and a price. im in line first, right Glen? ha ha.

Once I know what is available to me and will work best with my setup I will make a decision.

These are actually a brand new set still in the box. Still waiting on a little info on them.

 

[salvageV6]

Thanks for the reply Russ, I'll drop off my spare set to you someday and check with you on the 'a la carte pricing.

 

[breiter]

Buy a set of Champion irons, bolt them on and have fun. Even though you may only want to go mid-11's, build it for mid 10's and just don't run it hard (ya). Of course while you are doing the heads, you may as well throw in a roller cam because the heads need to be set up specific (springs).......oh man where does it stop?

 

[SS/GNX]

Ya, thats the thing, if a buy a set, what type of valve springs are on there? I dont want to run more than 100# springs with the stock cam and I do NOT have the money to do heads and a roller cam. Matter of fact, I dont want to do a roller cam at all until I have the money for a built shortblock.

If I have to spend even more money on the champions to work with my stock cam, and its gonna cost a bunch of dough, then I am better off having Russ do my heads. Keep the advice, opinions, and options coming. Its a big decision for me when its gonna cost me a $1000.

 

[breiter]

Keep in mind we are talking a Buick turbo car. It will cost you more than the $1000.00 before you are finished doing the heads. All the little stuff adds up as quick as the major purchases. You may be better off saving up your money and then pulling the engine for a complete build with all the goodies you really want. That, or do a set of mild iron heads with good valve train that will work with your stock cam and leave everything else alone and drive the car. My guess is that with a set of Champion irons (or equivalent) on your build with a stock cam is good for low 12's, maybe high 11's but 100% streetable. I think you may gain 3 to 4 tenths with the new heads. My opinion only of course.

 

[salvageV6]

I bought my stock heads with 50K miles on them with approx. 100lb. springs already installed on them for a stock cam. for $100.

For your goals you could probably find a set with new good springs for a stocker just as cheap or cheaper.

Haven't emailed Russ yet for pricing though on what can be done at what cost.

25lb.s. boost is easy on pump and alky. without a progressive kit, just a staged second nozzle EFI SMC kit and the bone stock TR heads and stock cam. Goals met already. :biggrin:

If you go Champion pull the motor get the caps. done or a girdle and build it for mid 10's and run high 10's low 11's all day.

Then again you could easily swap the springs from what's on the car now, assuming the ported heads you buy can accept them.

I've been waiting about 60K miles now for a headgasket to let go, the car just won't do it so I can port the stockers.

 

[chadly]

You’re in the same boat as me. Where to start and when to stop. By the time you do heads, intake, and cam your looking at $2500. Do you really want to put that much into used motor? To me and why I’ve done nothing yet is if I’m going to spend that much on the top end I feel it wise to do the short block as well. Do it right and be done. Till it blows anyway.

P.S. I posted a similar question a while ago and I received sevearal pm’s from members saying go with the Russ Merritt heads. I also talked with him and he is a straight shooter. If I had the cash I would talk to him about a full rebuild.

 

[blackgn1]

Russ Merritt Heads. He will do you right!