GM Performance Parts’ (GMPP) has released a high-flow, CNC-ported version of the LS3 cylinder head. It flows more than 350 cfm at 0.600-inch lift (intake side) at 28 inches of water restriction – or nearly 10 percent more than the stock casting – to promote greater power across the rpm band and maximize the advantage of additional performance parts, such as a “larger” camshaft and high-flow intake manifold. While a horsepower increase can be realized by installing only the heads, they are more effective when matched with complementing camshaft, valvetrain, intake and exhaust components.
“This new cylinder head is a great choice for builders looking to get the most out of a simple, bolt-on cam-and-heads swap on their new Camaro SS or Corvette,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. “It also complements a bolt-on supercharger by maximizing the airflow, particularly at higher rpm.”
GMPP engineers recommend the LS Hot Cam (part number 88958753)
or the high-rpm “ASA” camshaft (part number 88958770) as suitable partners with a set of CNC-ported LS3 heads. The LS Hot Cam delivers 0.525-inch of lift and 219/228 degrees of duration on a 112-degree lobe separation angle. The hotter ASA cam matches the 0.525-inch lift, but delivers 226/236 degrees duration on a tighter 110-degree lobe separation angle. Both camshafts are compatible with the valve springs included with the cylinder head assemblies.
Designed for airflow:
The CNC-ported LS3 head features 276cc intake runners and 92cc exhaust ports, along with a combustion chamber volume of about 68.5cc. That’s the same volume as stock LS3 heads, which maintains the stock compression ratio. It will fit any LS engine with cylinder bores of 4.000 inches or larger, including 6.2L L92 truck engines.
Each head is delivered fully assembled, with 2.165-inch hollow-stem intake valves and 1.59-inch solid-stem exhaust valves, as well as valve springs, valve locks, spring retainers and valve stem seals. The maximum recommended valve lift with the stock valvetrain components is 0.550-inch.
