71 LS6 head part number 14096188 ????

[Jeff M.]

I am looking at a set of heads that are NOS and supposed to be 71 LS6 heads, the buyer says the number is 14096188. JOE, can you tell me if this is casting number 3946074 or any other casting number and do you think $800 for bare castings is a good price

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 LS6 head part number 14096188 ????

Jeff-----

CASTING number 14096188 is one of 2 casting numbers(and the one used currently)for the GM PART # 6260482 cylinder head. This cylinder head is a SERVICE-only, CAST IRON cylinder head that was never used on ANY engine installed in a PRODUCTION vehicle. It was used on Mark IV crate engine assemblies GM# 366250 ("LS-6") and GM #3965774 ("LS-7"). These two engines were sold only over-the-counter, but have been discontinued for many years now and replaced by Gen VI big blocks. While similar in certain ways, they were not faithful "reproductions" of their original RPO namesakes.

The GM #6260482 cylinder head is still available and catalogued by GM for SERVICE of 1971 Corvette LS-6 and 1971 Chevelle LS-6 applications. While it is very similar to the original Chevelle LS-6 cylinder head(CASTING #3994026)it is not exactly identical. For the Corvette LS-6 application it is strictly a FUNCTIONAL replacement inasmuch as the Corvette LS-6 originally used ALUMINUM cylinder heads of GM PART #3946072(CAST #3946074).

One advantage of the GM #6260482 is that it has induction hardened exhaust valve seats. Neither the Chevelle original cast iron head or the Corvette aluminum head were equipped with induction hardened seats or HARDENED seat inserts, respectively.

The GM #6260482 cylinder head currently GM lists for $445.44/each and can be purchased from competitive dealers for about $360/ea. This cylinder head is now and has always been supplied for SERVICE only as a bare head. Complete versions which once-upon-a-time could be found, were GM #366250 or GM #3965774 engine assembly field "take-offs".