Ported Heads

[LsxCody]

i was thinking about having my heads ported, but ive had some people tell me that i shouldnt do it cuz it would put strain on the bottom end of the engine, i was just looking for someones opinion i dont know if it matters but my truck has a 5.3 with 139,000 miles

[redchevysport]

I can't imagine that just porting the heads would hurt the bottom end of the engine. You'd have to be making a LOT of power... I'm pretty sure you could turbo/supercharge a stock motor, and not compromise the integrity off the crank/mains, within reasonable limits (i.e., I suppose if you were making 600+ horsepower...)

Now, it might hurt the bottom end of your torque curve, but give you some more at higher RPM. More torque at higher RPM = more HP...

You suppose maybe that is what they meant?

[Madd Maxx]

Since your current cam has a usable RPM range into the lower 6000's, you could probably pick up about 20-25 HP by a good port job. The gain would primarily be at 5000+ RPM. It may or may not be cost-effective for you, depending on the cost. Now, if you have any plans on a bigger cam, then you will definitely need a port job or bigger heads to support it.