6.0 Iron cylinder heads

[65MALI]

Are there any good use for stock iron 6.0 cylinder heads or are these just worthless boat anchors? I have a set I was looking to mate with an Ls1, but was wondering if the it was worth the effort. Yes I did do a search, couldnt really find any info.

[SLO_Z28]

The iron block LS engines all had Aluminum heads.

[daytonayellaz]

I do beleive there were some early LS based motors that had some iron heads on them... Trucks/vans. But honestly... I would buy a set of aluminum heads and not use the iron ones. I have a set of aluminum LS1 heads if needed.

[srh3trinity]

You can find aluminum ls all day long for cheap. They would be worth it for weight savings alone.

[cmac06]

The 317 heads flow pretty good, and are dirt cheap. I am using a set for a FI motor to lower the compression. With a little port work, the flow becomes really respectable for the amount of money put into them.

[65MALI]

The 317 heads flow pretty good, and are dirt cheap. I am using a set for a FI motor to lower the compression. With a little port work, the flow becomes really respectable for the amount of money put into them.
Thanks for all the replies, Im sure aluminum is the way to go, but heck, I already have the iron 317 heads, might as well put it to use. I just wasnt sure if i would lose horse power or gain horsepower.

[tflyboy77]

You will loose hp because I believe the 6.0 has lower compression heads than the smaller LS motors.

[65MALI]

You will loose hp because I believe the 6.0 has lower compression heads than the smaller LS motors.
Ahh, Got it.

[Chevelle598bb]

Between the iron and aluminum 317 head you would see the same compression ratio. The only factory head that is better than the 317 is a 243/799. The 317 and 243 have the same ports but a larger chamber. If you put a 853 or 241 you will gain a little compression but loose flow which in turn loose power.

[65MALI]

Between the iron and aluminum 317 head you would see the same compression ratio. The only factory head that is better than the 317 is a 243/799. The 317 and 243 have the same ports but a larger chamber. If you put a 853 or 241 you will gain a little compression but loose flow which in turn loose power.
Never ending info on this site.(Need to post more) I think ill slap on the 317 heads, better springs,and a descent cam and be done with it.

[garys 68]

Just an FYI, if you have a 99-00 iron truck block with iron heads, it has a longer crank that can only be used with auto trans. And I'm not sure if it will mate up with both a 4L60 and/or 4L80.

[Chevelle598bb]

It will mate up to both the 4l80 and 4l60. You just have to make sure you get a converter for a 99-2000 truck which has a shorter pilot.

[MrQuick]

What if he wants to run a th400?