Pros and cons of TA Stage 1SE heads versus Stage 2SE

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by Canadian GS 350, Mar 30, 2021.

  1. Canadian GS 350

    Canadian GS 350 Well-Known Member

    Goal for my 72 GS is to be primarily a street car, be able to run low 12’s high 11’s when the slicks are bolted on at the track. I do not have headers purchased, so looking at TA heads............would you choose Stage 2 SE’s or Stage 1 SE’s?

    my car has air conditioning.....so Stage 1 has all the stock mounting already

    Stage 2 heads, I’m not sure what is required to mount the air conditioning bracket at number 2 cylinder?

    I’ve read that the Stage 2 headers fit better than the the Stage 1 headers?

    TA shows both their Stage 1 and Stage 2 SE heads comparable in potential horse power.....

    so if you were buying new headers, new TA heads, Stage 1 or Stage 2? Any other pros or cons to consider?

    Thanks

    Brad
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    If you are buying new headers, Stage2 heads offer even more performance potential. Not sure about the A/C bracket. That being said, the Stage1SE will get you to your goal with 10.5:1 static compression and a cam with 230*+ of intake duration. My car runs consistent mid 11's on a good air day.
     
    ranger likes this.
  3. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Stage 2 without question
     
    ranger likes this.
  4. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    You will need to modify the rear bolt attachment on the AC bracket, essentially removing it. But everything will work fine without the rear bolt.
     
    chrisg likes this.
  5. BUQUICK

    BUQUICK I'm your huckleberry.

    This is a really silly reason for using Stage 2 heads but my dad insisted on using Stage 2 heads because you don't have paint that discolors or burns off of the exhaust ports like a Stage 1 head. The TA Stage 2 headers did fit fine without any massaging (hammer) to fit properly. This car has no A/C.

    If you don't meet reach your performance goal of high 11s - low-12s it won't be because you don't have adequate cylinder heads. Both are more than capable.

    upload_2021-3-30_14-40-46.png
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    None of the aluminum heads will burn the paint off anywhere. My heads have been painted since I have owned them.
     
  7. BrianTrick

    BrianTrick Brian Trick

    I would put Stage2 heads on my mother LeSabre.
    If you are starting from zero,that is what I would do.
     
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  8. Donnie

    Donnie Well-Known Member

    I have stage 2 heads and a/c on mine. I Just cut off the part of the ac bracket where the rear bolt goes. You don't even notice it's gone. The dipstick was a little tricky to get in though. Had to bend the tube around a little. The headers are 2 1/8.
     
  9. Canadian GS 350

    Canadian GS 350 Well-Known Member

    Thanks everyone. Sounds like stage 2 is the way to go if your needing new headers, the air conditioning bracket mod sounds very simple.
     
  10. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    Thinking with this new invention I'll never have to look at burned exhaust ports again
     

    Attached Files:

  11. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Briz is that a torque limiting strap/cable I see in your pic? Is it bought or made? Do you mind sharing where you got it/ how you made it? Also does it loop down through another bracket like the one on the head or go through the frame? Feel free to PM me. Sorry to the OP for the thread sidetracked questions.
     
  12. Briz

    Briz Founders Club Member

    It is / was a s factory dealer supplied part. Believe it was designed when the issue of the L engine mount started ripping apart and wedging the throttle WOT. I got it in the factory dealer packaging along with the instructions for mounting. Just wraps around the upper control arm
     
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  13. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Ok thanks Briz. I'm going to look at getting one for the new engine build.
     
  14. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    It's all about the headers.... so much easier to install, replace gaskets, whatever...

    The only downside of the STG 2 head is that the lack of casting on the exhaust side of the heads reduces the clamping pressure of the head bolts. That's what the extra row of bolts is for. Some use them, some don't, but I always like to put them in, for insurance.. take it from me, unless you can control everyone who is ever going to work on your car, you need the added security of those bolts to keep the heads sealed even when some "mechanic" can't figure out how to set the timing, or wire the distributor.. been there, done that.

    Previous to that experience, I had never used the lower row of bolts on a low compression (below 11-1) STG 2 motor. Never had a problem, built a couple dozen of them.

    JW
     
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  15. Jim Rodgers

    Jim Rodgers Well-Known Member

    If for no other reason the center header bolt on Stage 1 heads.............
     
    bignastyGS likes this.
  16. Mark G

    Mark G Active Member

    I am working on a build with similar performance goals to the OP. I ended up going with the stg 2's. I'll throw in one more "intangible" reason for going that way. The original Buick Stage 2 iron heads were the pinnacle of Buick performance and as everyone in the Buick community knows were super rare, around 75 sets over the counter only. When you have your car out for a cruise or at the local show, having the TA stg 2 heads gives you the opportunity to tell the "Brand X" crowd about the Buick Stage 2 program. Just way more cool and unusual IMHO. By the way, I took Jim's recommendation and installed the extra row of studs. Super easy to accurately drill and tap the block if you rent TA's fixture.
     

    Attached Files:

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  17. 70 GMuscle

    70 GMuscle Plan B

    What are the header sizes available for stage 2s?
    I know there are options on stage 1s. From a couple companies Dougs, Hooker and TA.
     
  18. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    2in and 2.125

    Only manufacturer/supplier being TA or of course custom
     
  19. Dennis S

    Dennis S Well-Known Member

    I know this is an old thread but I’m debating still . I hate the idea of the loss of my M/T super scavengers .
     
    Kingfish likes this.
  20. 70 GMuscle

    70 GMuscle Plan B

    Are stage 2’s readily available? How about headers?
    Ac and no ac?
     

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