If i want to reach around 550 hp, do i have to build the head or no? i was thinking about building the head while i do S2 cams, but didn't know if it is a must.

 

Do it, its more ideal and reliable rather than attempting such power on stock head...
Just grab the S2 cams and hi rev springs and retainers and be done..

 

you're already in there, i would do it

 

You can do cams and springs and also head studs all in one day with head still on car.

 

This post is weird without knowing what fuel or what turbo.

You do not need to take off the head for cams. For many people, porting the head is one of the last things they do.

It was for me. Had the car 10 years before I had the head ported. And there are plenty of ways to mess up doing a head. You need to take it to someplace that knows what they're doing. Newen machines are your friend.

 

Just a bump on this post again in regards to building heads. To do ultimately a fully built head, what is necessarily needed? I have somewhat of an idea as to what is needed:

Springs/Retainers
Exhaust/Intake Valves
Valve seals
Camshaft
Valve keepers
ARP Headstuds
New seals/gaskets on camshafts and head

If I have some things that are missing for a full on built head, please add on to my comment with a reply.

 

Kiggly HLA
valve guides

 

So in addition to the listing, add on an HLA oil pressure regulator?

 

yup, also get it resurfaced so you have a clean gasket surface.

 

If you want FULLY built, you'll want porting done as well.

 

Yes, I was going to do a full resurface head, port/polish head, exhaust and intake valves, all new gaskets all around, but I am stumped on which shop to pick from to get a built head. I am in Georgia so I am going to assemble it on my own, while I have a shop do the machine/build for me all at once. I looked into MAP, Buschur, and Headgames.

 

Headgames is the only choice.

 

I'll look them up! Hopefully they're good and ill go with them lol

 

Boostin performance as well ports/builds heads