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: 1,508
Likes: 495
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: 10,095
Likes: 4,026
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.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
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.