Head Rebuild Advice

[lucid15]

So, i need to get a new clutch and all the works performed and also need to do the timing belt and all the works involving that as well since i don't have any vehicle records. The car is in AWESOME shape and only 85k miles, but don't want to chance anything. This is my DD, and i plan to soon have a 20G setup (with supporting mods + more) and hope to make this into a super street machine hopefully near 400whp.

My thought is if i'm already sending it to English Racing to do the above services, i ought to just get the head rebuilt while it's there to withstand the 400whp+ mark, good idea? I think so.

What do you suggest will get me to that goal Head-wise, as of now i plan on keeping the stock 7 bolt as i believe the bottom end can hold 500whp if taken care of, correct?

Interested in hearing everyones thoughts, and keep in mind i don't want to skimp or go cheap on any part or service, but definitely don't want to unnecessarily overpay either.

 

[MJBean420]

I would do a light port and polish job with new, stiffer springs, and a good set of 272/280s cams.
Should help spool time, low-end torque, and top end power.

I want to say Strictly Import Motorsports has heads ready to go. Give Alan a call and see what he can do for you. He can probably get one out to you ASAP and just send yours in for the core return.

 

[goosey2099]

Either get a full engine built or don't touch it. The one thing i'd recommend is a head gasket and studs.

 

[WES_393]

All you really need is ARP head studs, 272 cams, and slightly stronger valve springs. Anything else is overkill.

 

[lucid15]

Cool sounds great! Whats the usual price of said head build?

 

[gsxeclipse97]

Larger cams will slow increase turbo lag and remove low end tq. But will provide you with more on the high end.

 

[troubleshoot]

Wouldn't a larger exhaust cam and smaller intake came like the 272/280 help spool a little? I know larger cams make for more lag but I thought the intake side increased lag more but pumping out more on the exhaust side should help spool a little. Am I incorrect for thinking this?

 

[lucid15]

Thanks for the replies! I think i will go the already built head route from STM. SIM 4G63 Cylinder head Stage 1

 

[Bud92gsx]

All you really need is ARP head studs, 272 cams, and slightly stronger valve springs. Anything else is overkill.

For 400, thats what i was thinking.You dont need a 2k head for 400hp.

 

[El Cuervo]

If the engine is running in excellent condition, then just do a good maintenance. A set of arp head studs would be great. I personally would go with L19s. Head port is not needed at all. The head already flows plenty, specially for about 400hp. You could get some cams and some valve springs if you want to. You could try to make as much power as you can with ths stock cams. This way you spend less money on things. Yes, cams will allow you to make more hp. However, they do increase turbo lag and decrease power during vacuum or on stop and go traffic. That is the trade off. And yes, it is noticeable.

 

[WES_393]

You dont need a 2k head for 400hp.

Exactly.

I've made ~350hp with just ARP studs. I'm currently making ~500hp with ARP studs and BC 272 cams. Stock head gasket, stock valves, etc.

 

[nitrouskris]

Thanks for the replies! I think i will go the already built head route from STM. SIM 4G63 Cylinder head Stage 1

STM and SIM two very diff shops

 

[lucid15]

I dont believe im aware of the other site, whats the URL? I might just do the ARP's when i do my timing belt service. Whats the rough price of labor involved in doing timing belt and the works with ARP head studs?

 

[dsmaz]

I dont believe im aware of the other site, whats the URL? I might just do the ARP's when i do my timing belt service. Whats the rough price of labor involved in doing timing belt and the works with ARP head studs?

most performance shop charges about $80per hr for labor. you should be able to look up book time for all that stuff.

 

[nitrouskris]

STM | STREET TUNED MOTORSPORTS | DSM | EVO | SUBARU | PERFORMANCE & DYNO TUNING is the other shop.

and what do you been by works ???? That means diff things to diff people.

Are you going with oem belt or hks/gates belts and what arps ??? Reg / uncut / L19 or ARP bolts

FFWD does great work on heads and a member here named Bogas. Two of the very best in my eyes and testing vs other heads. And this is going from someone who also works on DSM heads for a living