Questions on Champion Irons

[my1stgn]

So from what I read they are basic heads that are cnc machined for consistancy and performance. Makes sense but as of now I have a stock block, unopened. So Im thinking of getting a set of Champion Irons. What is the different between the 14 bolt and 8 bolt. Im guessing our stock blocks are 8 bolt but what is needed to go with a 14 bolt? and can you bolt on a 14 bolt to an 8 bolt block or do the bolt holes not line up? Just thinking incase I later want to upgrade the block to a 14 bolt for the heads. Im thinking 14 bolt obviously hold up to higher boost and less blown headgaskets. Is it worth it to go with the aluminums? Want to get into the high 9's eventually but bearly pushing low 12's. Thanks

 

[wickedtt]

es the 14 bolt heads will work on the stock block 8 of the 14 will line up...

 

[turbofabricator]

And to add to that.......To go to 14 bolts you will need a stageI Buick Motorsport block and drill/tap the block for the additional bolts, or, a StageII Buick Motorsport block (it is already drilled for the additional bolts) or a TA Performance aluminum block. The stock block does not have the needed material to add the additional bolts. (you would be drilling into just the edge of the block in a few locations.
Champion irons are ALL 8 bolts heads. Champion GN1 aluminum heads are available in both 8 or 14 bolts. (well, actually Champion might have an odd set or two of iron StageII heads laying around that have 14 bolts, but they require a complete StageII conversion. i.e. intake manifold, headers, cam, rockers, push rods, bolts, spark plugs, wires, turbo, F.A.S.T. XFI (or similar aftermarket ECM) new fuel rails, pump, lines, and a really, REALLY deep wallet. )

Champion is supposedly comming out with a new StageII style iron block.

YOu 'could' have the addional material welded to your stock block to facilitate the addional head bolt holes, but the cost of welding, machining, and stress reliving a cast iron block harldy makes the adventure worth while. IT really depends on your intended goals for the car. Mid tens or slower, stay with a stock block, 8 bolt heads. If you plan on runnin 9.90 or faster, then it's time to ante up and buy a stageII engine (or go LSX V8) and expect to invest at least $30,000 to have decent stuff. Top of the line stuff.....over $50,000. (key word is "over")

This is probably way too much info though. Stick with a ported set of 8445 stock heads form any of the porters on here. Good way to build good mid and top end charge. Change to a hydraulic roller cam, too., and turbo, and injectors, and.....................

 

[my1stgn]

So when should someone go from a 8 bolt to a 14 bolt? IE how much boost can a properly tuned 8 bolt head handle safely. Just trying to decide before I drop over a G on some heads. Also current setup is below, should this be my next big step or should I get an IC first? thanks

Stock Block, PT61 DBB PTrim, alky, LC1 WB, Gen II Trans, LS1, full exhuast 2 3/4", THDP 3", Dutt Neck, 60lb injeectors, Walbro 304 Hotwired, AFPR and a few other mods I cant think of right now but this is the major stuff. Thanks.

 

[STERN FLOW]

Champion GN1 14 bolt heads will work on a stock block. You will have to use diffrent rockerarms. If you want to go with the GN1 8 bolt heads later. You can send them back to champion and have them machine for 14 bolt.

 

[Slow91z]

Champion makes 14 bolt iron heads??

 

[IGOTHP]

no

no . they make aluminum 14 bolt heads.

 

[Slow91z]

Well the guy was asking about iron heads, so I thought I'd try to clarify.

 

[bison]

So when should someone go from a 8 bolt to a 14 bolt?

When their ready to spend 20k on an engine that will be running 9 second e.t. or faster.

 

[my1stgn]

Few more questions before I decide, is the aluminum head worth the extra cash than the irons? I imagine wieght and cooler temps, maybe more boost with out knock would be some of the benifits of the aluminums but how much more power with they make and is it even worth it. And should this be my next mod or should I get better intercooler first? Thanks for all the info guys!

 

[Slow91z]

To answer that we would need to know your current mods and goals.

 

[my1stgn]

Want to get into the high 9's eventually but bearly pushing low 12's. Thanks

Also current setup is below, should this be my next big step or should I get an IC first? thanks

Stock Block, PT61 DBB PTrim, alky, LC1 WB, Gen II Trans, LS1, full exhuast 2 3/4", THDP 3", Dutt Neck, 60lb injeectors, Walbro 304 Hotwired, AFPR and a few other mods I cant think of right now but this is the major stuff. Thanks.

Also rebuilt my trans myself with Ck Performance rebuilt kit, has trans brake, 30 spline axles, eaton Posi unit, MT 28X10.5" slicks, rebuilt driveshaft, and there might be a few other mods I forgot, but what do you guys think? Thanks

 

[Slow91z]

You have all that and running low 12's...Get the car to run low 11's then save up to build a motor.

Ported Iron heads have been 9's so really it just depends on which you prefer.

I had a 61 with a dutt neck and alky, I saw no gain when I put a front mount intercooler on the car. I think you need to maximize what's already on the car before you go spend anymore money.

 

[my1stgn]

Cool, I thinks the way Im heading. Im pretty sure the stock timing chain is worn and the stock valve springs are floating about 5K rpm. Thats on my next to do list. Car should be faster though. thanks