On the warpath with warhawk
Owners of LS1 Firebirds and GTOs who would like to step up to an aftermarket head that will increase performance while still accepting all the stock valvetrain components should check out World Product's Warhawk high-performance 15 LS1X cylinder head. Made from 355-T6 high-density aluminum alloy, this head boasts 15-degree valve angles and rocker-stud angles to maintain proper geometry regardless of valve length. This feature does away with the convergence of the rocker stud and valve of stock and other heads when longer-than-stock valves are used. The valve cover rails are raised 0.300 to accept aftermarket rockers, and these heads can be had with 200 or 220cc intake runners and 64 or 72cc combustion chambers to better match your combination.
Warhawk high-performance 15 LS1X cylinder heads are offered as bare castings for approximately $750 (Summit Racing online price) or completely assembled using Manley stainless steel valves (2.055-inch intake on 200cc head, 2.080-inch intake on 220cc head, 1.600 exhaust), screw-in studs, and pushrod guide plates, not to mention a choice of valvespring/retainer packages, which are available to match your cam. The price for a fully assembled version ranges from approximately $920 to $1,190 (Summit Racing online price) depending upon application. World Products, Dept. HPP, 51 Trade Zone Ct., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779; (631) 981-1918; www.worldcastings.com.
Bottle fed
Finally, the much-coveted black washer bottle as used in '67 Pontiac A- and B-bodies is once again available since being discontinued by GM in 1981. Ames Performance Engineering has faithfully reproduced what was GM part number 9788109. Ames states, "The surface texture, contour and dimensions of this washer bottle are considered very good, making one of the most sought-after items for '67 A- and B-body cars even more in demand." Ames' part number is P191AA, and the bottle retails for $39; (800) 421-2637; www.amesperf.com.
Home shopping for LS1, LS2, and soon-to-be LS7 fans
If you want to go faster in your '98-'02 Firebird or '04-'06 GTO, Katech's new catalog, chock full of performance parts for LS engines, is a good place to start. A complete 10-second e.t. package is laid out in detail for '98-'02 Birds based on an LS7 crate engine. In fact, there are myriad crate-engine choices, tons of engine parts, and even electronics and calibrations are available, not to mention engine dress-up items. There are also problem solvers for engine swaps and the like, such as adapter harnesses, fuel-rail spacer kits, and so on. To get your catalog, contact Katech at (866) katech-1 or www.katechengines.com.