Thread: ZZP CNC heads, worth the $750?

While debating with a friend if I should try to clean up my donor L67 heads myself or take them to a machine shop to get dip-cleaned, he mentioned ZZP has a fairly new option for heads. Stage 1, so to speak.

Price tag is $900, but they come with 105# springs already installed. I could send in my heads first as they don't have any cracks that I've been able to find. My predicament is that an extra $750 (since I'm buying 105# springs anyway) adds significantly to the cost of my top swap project. As long as I have the heads off, would this really be worth it?

I was considering smoothing the intake runners and exhaust outlets, but not porting. The ZZP option would be mild porting and they claim they flow 10% over stock.

sounds like lets make a deal. I would take door #2 (zzp).

So you'd pay $900 to get some mild porting? $750 if you take out the cost of the springs?

I ported and polished my own heads, and I'm very happy with the results I got. If you don't mind spending a few days doing it, I'd say do it yourself and use the left over money to buy something else nice for the car.

your paying 150 for the springs. and 750 for porting, new valve guides, seals, valve seats, at least 3 angle on the seats, and possabley new valves, adn guaranteed that the heads wont be cracked or warped.
a machine shop isnt going to be much cheaper if any.
its your call but personally if it were me I would spend the money.

if you find someone local who does head work, youll save about $500 of that money. you can get a seriously nice set of ported heads with bigger valves and everything for under $500.

vendor heads are THE biggest rip off for these vehicles.

Originally Posted by Bio248

vendor heads are THE biggest rip off for these vehicles.

Looking at the prices I got that idea.

I found a local shop who will completely refresh the heads (acid bath, magnafluxed, valve job if needed, flatness checked, milled, new seals, etc) for $200 at the worst (if all aspects are needed). They'd be like new when I get them back. Gonna pay it, polish the exhaust myself, and maybe gasket match the intakes somewhat but leave the rough finish to help atomize fuel.

They come very highly recommended from locals who are heavy into LSx engines. I went there today and was really impressed with their operation. Been in business for over forty years with expertise in marine engines, track only engines, performance street engines, etc and mostly domestics and more specifically mostly GM. They've done several sets of L67 heads and are familiar with them. Works for me.

AMS - High Performance Racing Parts

They're just down the street from where I live. ZZP can take the amount of money they want and shove it up their collective asses.

Though I'll be back to them for more stuff I'll need for my top swap.

You may ask Trannyman about headwork, he does a hell of a job for a VERY REASONABLE price, way better than our venders IMO. Check him out.

As for doing the headwork, I say hell yeah! Infact, since you'll have the whole top end off the car anyway, might as well do everything correctly. I'd port and polish and gasket match everything, especially the heads and the LIM. Although i'd go even further and get the blower done and tb done too. You should see nice gains + its better now than later especailly if you plan on a cam.

im with dan

Originally Posted by Iron Indian

I'd port and polish and gasket match everything, especially the heads and the LIM.

LIM will be polished and probably gasket matched. But, about polishing the heads... I was told that Trannyman said not to polish the intake runners on the heads. The rough surface helps atomize fuel.

Originally Posted by Iron Indian

Although i'd go even further and get the blower done and tb done too.

Blower and TB were always in the plan.