The LS1 is a V8 General Motors engine widely used in rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks. Cylinder heads are positioned above the cylinders on the block. A head is what closes the top of the cylinder to form the combustion chamber. The head can aid in the performance of a vehicle.
Many racing enthusiasts argue that Edelbrock makes the best heads for the LS1. Edelbrock has teamed up with Lingenfelter to create a line of performance heads. Lingenfelter is a well-known aftermarket performance company specializing in American cars. The heads are made from an A356 aluminum casting. They feature extra material and thickness for durability. Two port designs are offered: the 203cc and the 230cc.
Patriot Performance has three available LS1 heads, priced between $1,045 and $1,195 as of August 2011. All are computer numerical control (CNC) ported and are geared for performance. The heads have custom runners providing 60 cubic feet per minute of flow more than the stock versions. A gain of approximately 30 rear wheel horsepower is possible. The heads are built for naturally aspirated engines and nitrous boost systems.
The Trick Flow GenX 215 cylinder head is made for the LS1 and power. The model was introduced in 1997 and has a refined combustion chamber to maintain stock compression ratios. It is CNC machined and bowl blended with a 215 CNC-ported intake. To maximize airflow. it features 80cc exhaust runners. The assembly is easy and the unit is ready to bolt on from the box.
AFR, or Airflow Research, offers a small-block LS1 aluminum cylinder head. It is a 205cc street legal head. It is designed for 1995 and up third-generation Corvettes, trucks and Camaros. It has 300 cubic feet per minute flow at 0.600 lift. The intake is 2.020 inches and the exhaust valves are 1.600 inches. The values seats are iron ductile interlocking.
