3 VALVE HEADS??

[Maetrix66]

I just read the article snippet on the front page. Are they really developing three valve heads for our engines?? Is this going to be for the new 3900 only, or are they making other versions?? I have to believe that we could get them to work with a little creativity. Gettign anadditional 30 hp from a head swap would definitly be worth it. Anyone have any more info??

[SappySE107]

That is the only info I have seen regarding the 3 valve heads.

[RacerX11]

There is rumor of a 3-valve version of the LS-1 engine (or LS-7, whatever they will call it) for the C6 version of the Z06. My guess is they will leverage some of this design experience on the V6 engines.

Marty

[v6h.o.]

There is rumor of a 3-valve version of the LS-1 engine (or LS-7, whatever they will call it) for the C6 version of the Z06. My guess is they will leverage some of this design experience on the V6 engines.

Marty

Much like these heads (which are called the LS2 heads in the forum, but are not)

http://www.mbmsforums.com/index.php?showtopic=4297

however.. Look at the Valvetrain mass! my god.. what are they thinking.

[RacerX11]

Foord seems to have had good luck making more power with the new 3-valve version of their 5.4L truck engine.

The LS2 is a 2-valve version of the 6.0 engine, making 400 HP. The 3-valve Z06 engine is supposed to be making 500 HP (can you say Viper slayer?). Nice power increase with the new heads.

Just think, with a 3900 making the same HP/L as that 3-valve Z06 engine, we are talking 325HP out of a pushrod V6

I agree that does look like a lot of valvetrain mass. My guess is they won't be pushing the rpm's much higher than they are today (6500rpm). The shaft-mounted rockers do look to be a very stiff design, though.

Marty

[Sorin]

But aren't the Fords OHC?

[RacerX11]

Yes, they are, my point was the ability of a 3-valve head in a performance application.

Marty

[Sorin]

Kinda like Mercedes I think. I think they do 3-valve heads too (SOHC). Dunno if it's on all their cars, but it's on some of them at least.

[SappySE107]

I would hope they use a lightweight material for shaft rockers if that is how they do it.

[Maetrix66]

So, I shouldn't be sitting next to teh GM Performance Catalog waiting for them to appear, huh??

[SappySE107]

its gonna be some time before they show up so yeah...i wouldnt wait around for it right now.

[v6h.o.]

Shaft Rockers themselves are great for stiffness and rigidity. but that setup is just wonky... i mean look at it...

i know this isnt going to be a high reving V8 (the pic of the new 3 valve v8 engine im refering to here) but still thats some extra mass regarless.

however if the gains are what GM is suggesting. should be interesting. most of the gains on the 3valve V8 im sure are not all from the head, if its anything like the LS6 to LS1 there are other changes in there as well.

Brad/Ben you guys need to harrass GM and try and get more info on these 3valve V6 heads and whats going on there!

[bszopi]

I'll see what I can do... my guy doesn't like to respond to half of my questions...

[v6h.o.]

I'll see what I can do... my guy doesn't like to respond to half of my questions...

well 1/2 is better than none.

[bszopi]

Since he came up (kinda), I just emailed him today about some 3500 questions that have been arising. We'll see if I get any responses out of that.