Best Ls Heads For 6.0: Top Choices For Power & Performance

The LS2 is a popular choice among Gen IV 6.0L LS engine enthusiasts. Its aluminum block is strong and lightweight, making it a great option for performance builds. You’ll find plenty of parts and support for the LS2 because it’s a popular engine.

Why is the LS2 so popular? Well, it packs a punch. The LS2 comes standard with a 6.0L displacement and puts out 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to make any car or truck move! It’s also relatively easy to modify. You can upgrade the intake, exhaust, and other components to boost horsepower and torque even further.

But the LS2 isn’t just about performance. It’s also known for its reliability. The LS2 is a durable engine that can handle a lot of abuse. With proper maintenance, you can expect your LS2 to last for many years.

If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable 6.0L LS engine, the LS2 is a great option.

We’re talking about cylinder heads here, right? Let’s break down the differences between 823 and 799 heads. The 799 head has a cathedral port shape. Think of it as a pointy end that helps improve performance at lower engine speeds. On the other hand, 823 heads are designed for top-end power, making them ideal for sporty driving.

It’s worth noting that 799 heads are essentially identical to 243 heads. The only difference is that the 243 casting has a smoother finish.

Why are 823 heads better for top-end performance?

The shape of the port plays a significant role in how air flows into the combustion chamber. A 799 head’s cathedral port design is effective at lower RPMs because it helps create a more consistent airflow. However, as engine speeds increase, the flow through a cathedral port can become turbulent, which reduces efficiency.

823 heads have a different port design that allows for better airflow at higher RPMs. This translates to more power and torque in the upper rev range.

So, which head is “better” depends on your priorities. If you want a smooth and powerful engine at lower speeds, the 799 head is a good choice. If you want maximum power and performance at high speeds, the 823 head is the way to go.

Let’s dive into the world of engine heads and see if 862 heads really are better than 706 heads.

While 862 heads are sand cast, 706 heads are semi-permanent mold. This means that 862 heads offer a slightly higher level of detail and precision due to the sand casting process. Also, 862 heads feature smaller combustion chambers, which can lead to better performance and efficiency. The milling of the deck surface on 862 heads also allows for a slightly higher compression ratio, which can result in more power and torque. However, these are the main differences.

Overall, 862 heads and 706 heads are very similar and offer great performance. The choice between the two really comes down to your specific needs and budget.

Let’s break down the key differences to make an informed choice.

Sand casting is a process where molten metal is poured into a sand mold. Semi-permanent mold casting, on the other hand, uses a reusable mold made of metal or ceramic. Sand casting offers more flexibility and can be used for more complex designs, while semi-permanent mold casting is faster and more cost-effective.

Smaller combustion chambers in the 862 heads mean that the space for the air-fuel mixture to burn is smaller. This can lead to better combustion and higher compression ratios. Higher compression ratios mean that the air-fuel mixture is compressed more before ignition, leading to more power and torque.

The milled deck surface on 862 heads helps to create a flat, even surface for the cylinder head gasket to sit on. This improves sealing and prevents leaks.

While the differences between the 862 and 706 heads might seem subtle, they can have a noticeable impact on performance. If you are looking for the absolute best performance, the 862 heads are the way to go. However, if you are on a budget or don’t need the extra performance, the 706 heads are still a great option.

Let’s talk about LS 799 heads! You might be wondering if they’re worth the hype, and they definitely are!

LS 799 heads are known for their excellent performance and increased horsepower, which makes them a popular choice for porting. They’re the latest model and are made using the semi-permanent mold method. You’ll also appreciate that LS 799 heads are similar to 2004 LS2 heads in terms of their triangular casting. This means you don’t have to worry about cleaning them like you would with 243 heads.

LS 799 heads are designed for improved flow and efficiency compared to other LS heads. They have a larger intake valve and a more efficient combustion chamber, which results in better breathing and more power. They are a great upgrade for anyone looking to increase the horsepower and torque of their LS engine.

The semi-permanent mold method used to manufacture LS 799 heads provides several benefits. It results in a stronger and more consistent casting, which translates into increased durability and reliability. The method also allows for tighter tolerances, leading to improved sealing and reduced leaks. This is a key factor in the increased performance of these heads.

One of the main advantages of the LS 799 heads is their triangular casting. This design provides a more robust and durable head, making it less prone to cracking under stress. The triangular casting also helps to improve the flow of coolant, which is crucial for keeping the engine running at optimal temperatures. The fact that they don’t require cleaning like 243 heads is just an added bonus!

LS 799 heads are a fantastic option for those looking for a significant performance upgrade. They are well-made, durable, and offer increased horsepower and torque. The triangular casting and semi-permanent mold method are crucial features that contribute to their impressive performance. If you are looking for a powerful and reliable upgrade for your LS engine, look no further than LS 799 heads.

Both the LS2 and LS3 engines are fantastic choices, but the LS3 offers a slight edge when it comes to power potential. While forced induction can boost the LS2’s performance, the LS3’s inherent design advantages mean that the same upgrades will deliver even greater gains. This is mainly due to the LS3’s stronger bottom end, thanks to its forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. These components are built to handle higher stress and boost, allowing the LS3 to handle more power without breaking a sweat.

Let’s break it down. The LS3’s forged internals are more robust, giving it a significant advantage when it comes to handling the increased stress of forced induction. This means you can push the LS3 harder and further without worrying about premature wear or failure. The result is more power, more reliably, and for a longer period.

Imagine it like this: The LS2 is like a well-built car that can handle a good amount of horsepower, but the LS3 is like a race-ready sports car designed for high-performance and built to handle extreme conditions. While both engines are capable, the LS3 is simply built for the task of handling high power levels. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate power potential, the LS3 is the clear winner. However, the LS2 is still a fantastic engine and can be made very powerful with the right modifications.

You bet a stock 6.0 LS can handle a turbo! It’s a great platform for adding forced induction. To make the most of it, you’ll want to consider some upgrades. A turbo 6.0 LS will spool quickly and can support up to 900 horsepower at the wheels, but that power comes with some requirements. You’ll need a cam, springs, converter, and injectors to support that kind of output.

Let’s break down why these supporting modifications are crucial. The cam will need to be chosen specifically for a turbocharged setup, ensuring the right valve timing and lift for optimal performance with boost. Springs are necessary to handle the increased valve pressure from the turbocharger. A good converter will help transfer power efficiently to the drivetrain, and injectors will ensure the engine receives the right amount of fuel to support the higher horsepower levels.

A well-chosen turbocharger will make a huge difference in how your 6.0 LS performs. A smaller turbocharger will spool up quickly, providing excellent low-end torque and responsiveness. Larger turbochargers can deliver more horsepower at higher RPMs, but they might take longer to spool up. Ultimately, the best turbocharger for your 6.0 LS depends on your desired driving experience and horsepower goals.

Remember, when adding a turbocharger to your 6.0 LS, you’ll need to pay attention to the overall tuning and calibration of your engine management system. You’ll want to work with an experienced tuner to ensure proper fuel and air ratios, ignition timing, and boost control. This is critical for maximizing performance and reliability.

The factory 706 head casting is a great value for your LS performance build. Here’s why: GM’s 706 Vortec heads are a popular choice for 4.8-liter, 5.3-liter, and even some 6.0-liter LS engine builds because they offer good performance at an affordable price.

But what makes these heads so great? Well, 706 heads are known for their efficient design. They feature a 64cc combustion chamber and 1.94-inch intake valves and 1.50-inch exhaust valves, which help to improve airflow and power output. Plus, they are compatible with a wide range of camshafts and intake manifolds. This makes them a versatile option for a variety of LS engine builds, whether you’re looking for a mild street build or a more aggressive performance setup.

Another reason why 706 heads are so popular is their affordability. They are significantly cheaper than many aftermarket heads, making them a great value for your money. This makes them an attractive option for those on a budget, without sacrificing too much performance.

Of course, there are always trade-offs. While the 706 heads offer great value, they are not as advanced as some of the higher-end aftermarket heads. For example, they do not have the same level of porting or flow as some of the more expensive options. However, for most LS builds, they offer a good balance of performance and affordability.

In summary, 706 heads are a solid choice for your LS performance build, especially if you are on a budget. They are efficient, versatile, and affordable, making them a great value for your money.

The LS6 was designed by GM to be the best-performing head, and it really delivered! In fact, it was so good that the 243 casting was used again on the LS2. The LQ9, which is basically a copy of the LS6, rounds out the top performers in the OEM cathedral port category.

But what exactly makes the LS6 so special? Well, it’s all about the LS6’s unique design. The LS6 head features larger intake and exhaust ports than the LS1, along with different camshaft profiles and a revised combustion chamber. These modifications allow the LS6 to breathe more efficiently, resulting in a significant power increase over the LS1.

In addition to the increased power output, the LS6 head is also known for its durability. The LS6’s larger valves and stronger valve springs can handle higher RPMs and boost levels, making it a popular choice for high-performance builds.

If you’re looking for the best-performing OEM cathedral port head, the LS6 is a fantastic option. Its combination of power, durability, and availability makes it a great choice for any enthusiast looking to build a high-performance engine.

Let’s dive into the world of LS engines and figure out just how many cylinder heads a 5.3L engine has.

The 5.3L engine, like all V8 LS engines, has eight cylinder heads. These heads are responsible for containing the combustion process, allowing the engine to breathe, and managing the flow of fuel and air. Now, when we talk about “LS heads,” we’re usually referring to a specific model of cylinder head designed for LS engines.

In the context of your question, the “862 LS heads” are a popular aftermarket upgrade for the 5.3L. These heads, compared to the stock heads, offer a greater ability to flow air and fuel, which is key to making more power. This is why they can support a larger camshaft, higher compression ratio, and bigger intake and headers.

The 862 LS heads are known for their ability to help 5.3L engines achieve over 450 horsepower, a substantial increase from their stock power output. These heads, combined with other performance upgrades, like a bigger camshaft, can make your 5.3L a real powerhouse.

So, while the 5.3L engine starts with eight cylinder heads, swapping to a set of 862 LS heads can take your engine’s performance to a whole new level.

Now, let’s dig a bit deeper into the specific advantages of using 862 LS heads on a 5.3L engine.

The 862 LS heads are known for their high flow rates, which means they can move more air and fuel into the cylinders. This is crucial for improving power output, especially at higher RPMs. The increased flow rate allows the engine to breathe more efficiently, leading to a significant boost in horsepower and torque.

The 862 LS heads are also designed for higher compression ratios. This means they can handle the increased pressure that comes with a more powerful engine. The ability to run higher compression also contributes to improved power output and torque.

Finally, the 862 LS heads are specifically engineered to work well with larger camshafts. The larger camshaft allows for more air to flow through the engine, leading to more power.

Choosing the right LS heads for your 5.3L engine is a crucial step in maximizing its performance. The 862 LS heads are a popular choice for those looking for a significant power increase, and they can transform a stock 5.3L into a serious performer.

Holdener is a well-known LS engine builder and tester. They’ve successfully built both Gen 3 and Gen 4 6.0 liter LS engines, using high mileage junkyard parts, to achieve over 1,400 horsepower! They accomplished this with a few simple modifications: increased ring gap, a boost-friendly camshaft, aftermarket heads, and an intake.

Holdener’s success is a testament to their expertise in LS engine building. They have demonstrated that with careful planning and execution, even junkyard parts can be used to create high-performance engines. This approach not only demonstrates the potential of LS engines for performance builds but also highlights the importance of understanding the engine’s capabilities and limitations.

It’s worth noting that while Holdener has achieved impressive horsepower figures, there are other skilled LS engine builders who have also made significant contributions to the performance scene. Ultimately, the “most powerful” LS engine builder is subjective and depends on factors such as engine size, modifications, and specific applications. While Holdener’s approach offers a valuable blueprint for achieving high horsepower with readily available parts, there are many other approaches and builders who may achieve even higher figures depending on the specific goals and resources available.

Okay, let’s talk about getting those high RPMs out of your LS3 engine! When you’re pushing the revs, you need cylinder heads that can keep up.

LS3 cylinder heads are a great starting point, but you’ll want to make a few upgrades for optimal performance. First, you’ll want to install better valve springs. These springs will help ensure your valves stay open at those high RPMs. You’ll also need lightweight, hollow stem intake valves that can be cut to fit the seats. These valves are lighter than standard valves and help reduce the engine’s valvetrain inertia, which is important for high RPM operation.

Now, let’s talk about those RPO L99 and LS3 cylinder heads. These heads are made of aluminum and are a popular choice for many LS3 enthusiasts. They feature a 68cc combustion chamber, rectangle intake ports with 257cc runners, D-port exhaust with 87cc runners, 2.165-inch intake valves, and 1.590-inch exhaust valves.

Here’s a little more about what makes these heads great for high RPMs:

68cc combustion chamber: This chamber size is relatively small, which helps increase compression and power output. A smaller chamber also helps improve combustion efficiency and reduces the chance of knock.
Rectangle intake ports: These ports are designed for optimal airflow at high RPMs. They provide a smooth, efficient path for air to flow into the combustion chamber, which helps maximize power.
D-port exhaust: This port design helps improve exhaust flow and reduce backpressure. This is important for high RPM operation because it allows exhaust gases to be expelled more efficiently, which helps the engine breathe better.
2.165-inch intake valves and 1.590-inch exhaust valves: These valves are large enough to handle the increased airflow required for high RPM operation. They also help improve airflow through the ports, which contributes to better performance.

But remember, the cylinder head is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also want to consider other factors like camshaft selection, intake manifold, and exhaust system to optimize your engine for high RPM performance. With the right combination of parts, you can unlock the full potential of your LS3 engine and enjoy the thrill of high-revving power!

6.0 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 500-1,000 HP

Holdener, arguably the most prolific LS engine builder/tester out there, has put both Gen 3 and Gen 4 high mileage junk yard SBE 6.0 LS engines on the pump with nothing more than increased ring gap, a boost friendly camshaft, aftermarket heads and Speedway Motors

Ultimate LS Cathedral Port Cylinder Heads Guide – LS

In its most potent form, these heads supported a conservatively rated 405 hp on the Z06 Corvette. The LS6 was designed specifically by GM to surpass the LS1 as LS Engine DIY

MAX FLOW 6.0! FACTORY LS HEAD SHOOTOUT! – YouTube

Check out this comparison between the 706, 799, LY6 and TFS 225 heads on a cammed 6.0L? What is the best head choice for a hot 6.0L? How do the factory YouTube

A Guide to LS Cylinder Heads – Engine Builder Magazine

RPO L33, LS6 cylinder heads are aluminum with 65cc combustion chambers, cathedral intake ports with 210cc runners, D-Port exhaust with 75cc runners, Engine Builder Magazine

Ultimate Guide To 862 Heads For High-Performance LS Engines

Putting 862 heads on a 6.0L block with supporting mods can enable these larger displacement LS engines to make 550+ horsepower. The 6.0L responds very well automadesimply.com

LQ4/LQ9 6.0L Engine Upgrade Guide: Expert Advice for

The LQ4 and LQ9 are Gen. III, 6.0L, iron block, truck engines. The LQ4 served in anything from bread-vans and boats to SUV’s between 1999 and ’07. It started off life like any normal truck engine. OnAllCylinders

LS Cylinder Heads: Shootout and Cam Test – MotorTrend

In this story, we will dyno test three new LS cylinder heads and perform a camshaft swap on a 6-liter naturally aspirated LS Gen III (an LY6 truck engine). MotorTrend

The Ultimate Chevrolet LS Cylinder Head Test

Knowing we will be running a plethora of performance heads that exceed 300 cfm (enough flow to easily support more than 600 hp), we needed something more than your run-of-the-mill LS1 crate… MotorTrend

We Find Out Which Factory LS Head Performs Best Under Boost

We find out which factory LS head works best under boost in this back-to-back test of the 706 heads vs. the 317 heads. MotorTrend

Gen IV LS Cylinder Head Shootout! Choose the Best for

Factory LS3 and LS7 heads offer exceptional flow and power potential, but CNC-ported, aftermarket heads offer even more. Using a flow bench is one way to deter­mine the power “potential” of a set of LS Engine DIY