I need some info on building my heads

Plan

Stage 2 BC cams
BC valves (stock size)
BC springs & retainers
Cometic Head gaskets
ARP L19 studs

I am looking to build the heads on my 04 Z. Anyone done this yet (whether they used BC or not)
I would like to know what kind of gains to expect and what it may cost getting heads built, what tuning would cost, and misc. other requirements. I am going to have the car tuned after the heads are done for max power settings and assurance that things are running smoothly.

Current mods
Injen CAI
Helux Throttle Body spacer
Kinetix V+ plenum
Invidia cat back

Any help and insight would be greatly appreciated, but only from those who have experienced first hand.... to often do i read threads containing info about products being bad from people who have never used them or may not even have a 350Z to begin with.

Thanks
Ryan

 

Not to come off as rude, but how much research have you put into this project? I ask because based on your current mod list, you're a long way away from needing 'built' (however you want to define that) heads, and a really long way away from needing many of the parts you listed (like L19 headstuds...on an NA car? valves and springs but no porting? No headers? No engine mgmt? I'd suggest starting to do ALOT of research

 

Interesting selection of mods. What makes you think you need all this head work?

I agree with Adam about the priorities in adding mods to your car. Some other mods might help your car more now and provide a better base for the future head mods listed above.

Another thing is that taking the heads off of one of these cars is pretty close to taking the whole engine out. That might be a good time to freshen up the shortblock, too.

 

My theory is with the head job i will get pretty good RPM range out of it, i plan to go Turbo (when the money is right) probably next year which is why i am probably not getting headers, so thats why i have chosen the products listed. Also those head studs were recomended to me by a guy (i forget which shop) that has an 8.8 second 1/4 mile single turbo 350Z. I figured his advise is good advise. I also plan to see some good horsepower gains with the heads, and they say all your power is in your heads.

I plan to have this car forever, so i am building what i want, a beast of a car. I figure a good way to get a lot of power is to do the heads. Its cheaper than a turbo kit and i can buy piece by piece, until i have everything, then get it done. I am open for advise, but would prefer you to back it up - i.e do you think i need headers? and why?

I would love to build the block and do everything that could be done, but no $$$. If anyone would like to sponsor me and my car, i would be more than happy to spend your money!... Anyway, with a higher RPM range, and the power increase is the reason for the build, and i would think with a higher RPM range i would have more time in boost with a turbo(?), which is the over all plan. I haven't had anyone comment on this on any other Forum, or anyone i've talked to in person, they all say it sounds good, which is why i asked you guys. Someone out there has to be able to tell me what should be done with some fact behind it. If not then i think i am good to go, all i have left to do is talk to a machine shop, which i plan to by all the parts (i think) are needed first.

Thanks

 

My suggestion...save the money for the turbo, you are going to need it for the various inevitabilities that will come up. Save the time and money you are thinking about on the heads to ensure the turbo setup is as reliable as possible. What you are going to spend on the head setup you are talking about, including a real port job on the head, engine mgmt., install and tuning, is essentially what a turbo kit will cost you. So if your plan is to go turbo, go turbo, get that sorted out, and then build more power later. Your putting the car way before the horse.

It sounds to me like you really have not researched this very thoroughly...trust me, as someone who has put more into their car than the car cost me (nearly 2 fold), and as someone who makes his living selling such parts, you need to do ALOT more research before you take this project on, to avoid wasting money on buying anything else

 

get the turbo, build the shortblock, then build heads. tahts what im doing. i bought my turbo, blew my motor aka build and next year, im doing heads and twin turbo.

 

^ only problem is you blew the motor! if you build the motor first to support the turbos correctly, ie rods, pistons, crank, EMS, and other support mods, it saves heart ache and head ache.

My 2 cents, if you want to build the heads, save up and fully build the motor with all support mods needed, then hit the turbo (thats if you wanting to punch north of 600 whp)

if you want between 300 and 400 get the turbo with support mods, and keep the PSI low, 6psi is what greddy recommends i believe.

 

You didn't mention going turbo in your first post. No one would recommend you buying headers if you plan to go turbo in the future.

I suspect the people you talk to in person are people who do this kind of work. To them it's just a job and work for their company. Of course they think it's a good idea.

Actually, it's not a terrible idea. It's just not the usual order, or possibly the most cost effective order for turbocharging a VQ engine. I'm not sure I would buy things piece by piece, I'd just save up and do everything at one time. Sometimes you change your mind over time and that sux if you already bought the parts.

Anyway, it sounds like you have already made up your mind, so good luck...

 

https://my350z.com/forum/fi-faq-s/112693-how-to-do-twins-right-the-first-time.html

^ very good to read

 

unless you do a rear mount turbo.... then you can buy headers