Vortec heads
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
Vortec heads
I have access to a set of Vortec heads that were produced after 96 and carried the better number as some weren't as good. Don't know what the number is but do know it was the better of the 2 numbers that were available. Just wondering if I installed on my 1980 with an L-82 engine would I gain that much to make it worthwhile. Just curious.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 498
it would make a bigger difference on a L48 than a L82 . Your L82 already has big valves 2.02/1.60 screw in studs and guide plates plus it requires a different intake manifold and valve cover, myself I couldn’t stand to do a Vortec valve cover on my 1980 L82
edit to add : I installed Promaxx 183’s cylinder heads on mine , out flow Vortecs with a better combustion chamber and still retains the factory intake manifold and valve covers. Promaxx cylinder heads are on sale right now 790.00 a pair complete with quality hardware and 5 angle valve job . It was going to cost more to refurbish the original heads
edit to add : I installed Promaxx 183’s cylinder heads on mine , out flow Vortecs with a better combustion chamber and still retains the factory intake manifold and valve covers. Promaxx cylinder heads are on sale right now 790.00 a pair complete with quality hardware and 5 angle valve job . It was going to cost more to refurbish the original heads
Last edited by Eric P; Dec 6, 2020 at 11:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Problem with a lot of those used heads is theres a good chance they are crack
Some are between the valves and wont leak but til you get it checked and magged youll never know
Although they are China castings afr has a cheap enforcer head with good hardware.
Lots of those make me leery...rocker bosses not being in the right location and metal is "foamy" once you get beneath the surface.
Some have good luck, others kick themselves in the butt.
Some are between the valves and wont leak but til you get it checked and magged youll never know
Although they are China castings afr has a cheap enforcer head with good hardware.
Lots of those make me leery...rocker bosses not being in the right location and metal is "foamy" once you get beneath the surface.
Some have good luck, others kick themselves in the butt.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Make sure you do your research on Vortec head swap. Besides the stuff mentioned above.....one head should be drilled for the coolant bypass. Vortec engines did not have the cold engine bypass. It is very easy to do though. They also need to have the guide boss milled down to clear the retainer for over .450 lift.
Vortec's with 1.6 rockers and headers would make for a healthy L-82.
Vortec's with 1.6 rockers and headers would make for a healthy L-82.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
These are the 062 heads. These heads were on a 75 that I sold last year. Had already went through them and redid them. Sold the car and he went with some other heads and fuel injection so these are available back to me for $350. This includes the heads, rockers, and intake manifold. Heads probably don't have 1000 miles since being went through. Just trying to get some thoughts on doing this.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
These are the 062 heads. These heads were on a 75 that I sold last year. Had already went through them and redid them. Sold the car and he went with some other heads and fuel injection so these are available back to me for $350. This includes the heads, rockers, and intake manifold. Heads probably don't have 1000 miles since being went through. Just trying to get some thoughts on doing this.