Vortec Heads or Not
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Vortec Heads or Not
Hi, I'm building a 350 for my 79 and want to get around 350hp out of the motor.
My question is should I go w/Vortec heads or not. Any thoughts on the subject.
Thanks
My question is should I go w/Vortec heads or not. Any thoughts on the subject.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
I like the Vortecs..Cheap and flow well. 350hp is very do-able. Match it with a cam and intake and your set. I have read an article where they took a mild 350 stock engine and did heads/cam/intake and were around 400hp.
I haven't priced them but assembed aren't they around $400?
I haven't priced them but assembed aren't they around $400?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
Check out my pic's. I have Vortec's, Edelbrock Manifold, Holley Street Avenger Carb, Hooker Jet Coated Headers, True duals (no Cat) Mallory HEI, .470 Lift cam with .222 Duration and I am in the 330 to 350 HP range. I have been very happy with the Vortecs. You will indeed need a drop base air cleaner to clear the hood. I have a L88 aftermarket and don't have that problem. By the way my inferrior Saginaw four speed handles the power very well thank you. PS. My pic's show an Accel Distributor. I've changed it out since I took the pic's.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
I am almost done with my '79 rebuild with Vortec heads. They were $500+ assembled. I didn't really like having to buy these specific to Vortec:
1)Intake Manifold'
2)Intake Manifold Gasket and Bolts
3)Center Bolt Valve Covers
I was under the impression that my stock air cleaner + Q-Jet would fit under the hood. I guess I will find out soon and let you know.
1)Intake Manifold'
2)Intake Manifold Gasket and Bolts
3)Center Bolt Valve Covers
I was under the impression that my stock air cleaner + Q-Jet would fit under the hood. I guess I will find out soon and let you know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Vortec heads are a poor man's dream. The cost is minimal and they outflow everything in their class and then some. Choose a cam that will work with them. The Vortec heads not only have a good combustion chamber, but the intake runners are different which require the use of a vortec style intake.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
Who's the best deal on these Vortec heads? Are the heads ready to bolt on or is there something you have to do to the internal components of the head to make them work right?
On another note, what's it take to switch out a camshaft?
On another note, what's it take to switch out a camshaft?
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by jcoulter
On another note, what's it take to switch out a camshaft?
It is vital to properly break in the new cam which means when you first fire up the engine run the engine for at least 20 minutes at 2500 RPM then change the oil. If you are not changing heads you have to loosen the rocker arms and pull the pushrods in order to change the lifters. Keep the track of which pushrod came from which rocker arm. There are a number of little tricks you have to follow like that. When you buy a cam they come with instructions. You do have to have a certain level of competancy, patience and the right tools but its not that hard. I am no mechanic and I did mine, it was fun. Did I forget anything?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by jcoulter
Who's the best deal on these Vortec heads?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Hey Jimmy, I see the needle swinging back to 250
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...06&forum_id=57
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...06&forum_id=57
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Vortec style chambers are the best car invention since the electric start! LOL
My 73 went from 8.1 compression and no power but pinging with 93 octane to 9.5 compression plenty of power and doesn't ping with 89 octane.
Joe
My 73 went from 8.1 compression and no power but pinging with 93 octane to 9.5 compression plenty of power and doesn't ping with 89 octane.
Joe
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Originally Posted by Jims79
man that is a nice looking motor, any trouble w/closing the hood.
you have a numbers for the manifold
you have a numbers for the manifold
The summit brand heads are good street heads, but a couple of us had valve guide seal problems, easily solved with a set of late-model GM seals while the heads are off.
Joe
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
If I remeber correctly I purchased the entire kit from PacePerformance for $795.00. It came with everything you need (no carb) Complete heads fully assembled, all gaskets, self aligning rockers and a choice of two different manifolds. They even sent the right spark plugs. Vortecs take an extended reach plug. Best money I ever spent on my car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay Florida
I've got vortec heads in my 6900 pound truck. I run 87 octane, it never pings and has great acceleration.
Because of my experience, I'm definitly going to buy a vortec crate motor for my 3300 pound vette. 350 to 400hp is just fine for what I plan to do.
Because of my experience, I'm definitly going to buy a vortec crate motor for my 3300 pound vette. 350 to 400hp is just fine for what I plan to do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Originally Posted by 79vetter
I am almost done with my '79 rebuild with Vortec heads. They were $500+ assembled. I didn't really like having to buy these specific to Vortec:
1)Intake Manifold'
2)Intake Manifold Gasket and Bolts
3)Center Bolt Valve Covers
I was under the impression that my stock air cleaner + Q-Jet would fit under the hood. I guess I will find out soon and let you know.
1)Intake Manifold'
2)Intake Manifold Gasket and Bolts
3)Center Bolt Valve Covers
I was under the impression that my stock air cleaner + Q-Jet would fit under the hood. I guess I will find out soon and let you know.