Vortec heads - same valves? same bolts? etc?

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Jan 15, 2009 | 08:29 AM

BSiegPaint

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Vortec heads - same valves? same bolts? etc?

I'm getting everything ready for a Vortec head install and I'm down to the last few items... Are the head bolts the same as a "regular" set of SBC heads? Or do they use some different lengths? Also, are the 1.94 / 1.50 valves the same as any other SBC 1.94 / 1.50 set of valves? I understand there are some recommended head gaskets as well - I think I have those Fel-Pro numbers. I know the valve springs are pretty weak - I'd like to reuse a CompCams Magnum 270H cam with this swap. It's a .470/.470, which is right at the limit of the Vortec heads. Can I swap over the CompCams springs? Or will I have to do some seat work? I just can't seem to find the answers here. Thanks for any help!

Jan 15, 2009 | 10:29 AM

jakesindy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BSiegPaint

What casting #'s do you have

Jan 15, 2009 | 11:17 AM

BSiegPaint

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Safety Car

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakesindy

What casting #'s do you have

I have the 062's

Jan 15, 2009 | 12:12 PM

BKbroiler

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I reused original L48 head bolts with my Vortec heads.

Jan 15, 2009 | 01:55 PM

jakesindy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jakesindy

What casting #'s do you have

062 heads have a 1.28 diameter valve spring seat I dont know what spring # u have so check this. Just check the valve seal to spring retainer clearance. valves are good and head bolts

Jan 15, 2009 | 04:45 PM

BSiegPaint

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKbroiler

I reused original L48 head bolts with my Vortec heads.

OK - great news. I hoped as much, as they seem very similar in appearance.

I've found several articles regarding the valve springs, and they suggest switching to the LS1 "Beehive" springs, but they are pretty pricey. They have the larger diameter to go over the spring seats on the Vortec head. So I'm guessing my answer to the spring re-use question is, "No." I have a couple part numbers and will try and confirm just which one I need. These also increase the cam lift limits to .550 from the regular .450 - .470 (there seems to be a difference depending on where you read). So I'm good reusing the valves as well!

Jan 15, 2009 | 04:50 PM

BSiegPaint

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

I'm using the Comp Cams 981-16 springs now -

Outside Diameter of Outer Spring (in): 1.254 in. Coil Bind Height (in): 1.150 in. Damper Spring Included: Yes Spring Rate (lbs/in): 370 lbs./in. Inside Diameter of Outer Spring (in): 0.880 in.
So the springs I have are too small at the base to use on the Vortecs. I'll see what I can find with the "Beehive" springs.

Last edited by BSiegPaint; Jan 16, 2009 at 04:17 PM.

Jan 16, 2009 | 04:16 PM

BSiegPaint

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From: North Royalton, OH

St. Jude Donor '06-'07

I found that the stock Z06 springs have the same dimensions as the recommended "918" beehive springs, so I got a set of those. Now my issue is the retainers and locks. I can get a set of the Z06 retainers, but the locks are designed for .315" diameter valve stems - the 11/32" stems on the old style valves = .343". So I'm wondering if I can use the Z06 retainers with the 11/32" locks... both are 7 degree angles, but that's about all I can find out. Thoughts? Experience?