Vortech Cylinder Heads
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 42
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Vortech Cylinder Heads
I'm looking for a pair of vortech cylinder heads and was quoted at a near by speedshop at 591$ each... not a pair. Now i'm looking online and have found them near $130 a piece but not sure if i'm looking at the right heads or if i'm even at a decent distributor... help?
http://www.precisionengine.com/heads2.html
this is the site i found them at... chevy section.. obviously.
I see them at Vette Alluminum 350 for $330 a piece... Anywhere better? Different Heads? Thanx in advance.
http://www.precisionengine.com/heads2.html
this is the site i found them at... chevy section.. obviously.
I see them at Vette Alluminum 350 for $330 a piece... Anywhere better? Different Heads? Thanx in advance.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
I checked the link you gave. I see the Vortecs for $250 a piece, which sounds about right. I'm not sure where you are seeing the $130 Vortecs on that site.
CH350VT VORTECH 350 #193/191/810 250.00
CH350VT VORTECH 350 #193/191/810 250.00
Last edited by 73'Vette; Jan 18, 2006 at 05:50 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
I finally got everything buttoned up a couple of weeks ago. In addition to the Vortecs, I converted my points to HEI, replaced my water pump, replaced my leaky radiator with a BeCool aluminum unit, and swapped out the mechanical fan for a C5 dual fan setup. I've only had a chance to drive it once since then, but so far so good...real good. 
I need to bump up the timing a couple degrees to try and get a little more low end power out of it, and I need to do some tuning to the carb as well. (rods, idle mixture, etc) I ended up degreasing the heck out of those Vortecs and painting them, and I also replaced the valve stem seals before installing them. The initial compression test before startup checked out great. As I get more miles on them, I'll keep monitoring oil consumption, but I think they'll be fine. 
I need to bump up the timing a couple degrees to try and get a little more low end power out of it, and I need to do some tuning to the carb as well. (rods, idle mixture, etc) I ended up degreasing the heck out of those Vortecs and painting them, and I also replaced the valve stem seals before installing them. The initial compression test before startup checked out great. As I get more miles on them, I'll keep monitoring oil consumption, but I think they'll be fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
There are several different Vortec heads made by GMPP. The common ones run about $250 a piece.
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/277/...-Assembled.htm
GM did release two new heads and are considerably more expensive.
If you're changing the intake in addition to heads, then Vortec heads make a lot of sense since they outflow almost everything including a lot of the aluminum heads in their size.
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/277/...-Assembled.htm
GM did release two new heads and are considerably more expensive.
If you're changing the intake in addition to heads, then Vortec heads make a lot of sense since they outflow almost everything including a lot of the aluminum heads in their size.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
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I got an Edlebrock Performer to exchange while i'm working those heads. I was told the Edlebrock would flow just as well seeing as how i'm running edlebrock carb aswell. Although, i might've been informed wrong. any thoughts?
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
I got an Edlebrock Performer to exchange while i'm working those heads. I was told the Edlebrock would flow just as well seeing as how i'm running edlebrock carb aswell. Although, i might've been informed wrong. any thoughts?
also, do you also bore the cylinder heads? My engine was bored 30 over by the previous owner. Just inquiring. thanx again.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by itzfrank
also, do you also bore the cylinder heads? My engine was bored 30 over by the previous owner. Just inquiring. thanx again.
the top of the cylinder heads has a "pocket" in it where the valves are located....you bore the cylinder walls of the block to make them cylindrical again, the machine work you do on heads is mostly with the valves.....although you could mill or resurface the heads not many people do this but it can be done to decrease the size of the "pocket" or combustion chamber....you here people talking about 64cc heads etc...they are talking about the size or displacement of the combustion chamber. Machine work on the head because of the valves can cost hundreds of dollars. people even polish or port the areas around the valves to help with the air flow and increase power..if you have questions just ask or PM me. bob
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
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From: Haslet,Texas
2101 is the standard bolt pattern intake. This one will not work with Vortec heads. I paid about $100 bucks for a knock-off Vortec intake that is nearly identical to the Edelbrock. That will save you about $65 bucks or so if you are serious about doing the swap.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
2101 is the standard bolt pattern intake. This one will not work with Vortec heads. I paid about $100 bucks for a knock-off Vortec intake that is nearly identical to the Edelbrock. That will save you about $65 bucks or so if you are serious about doing the swap.
Corey did it take special length bolts to install??? i was reading the new street rodder and it said special length bolts were required so the intake gasket didn't get over compressed?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
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From: Haslet,Texas
No, the special length bolts just simplify it by guaranteeing perfect torque everytime. I went to Lowes and got some stainless bolts (1 1/2" length) and used those. The specs call for 15 ft/lb for the torque, but I just torqued them to what felt right...so far no leaks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
No, the special length bolts just simplify it by guaranteeing perfect torque everytime. I went to Lowes and got some stainless bolts (1 1/2" length) and used those. The specs call for 15 ft/lb for the torque, but I just torqued them to what felt right...so far no leaks.
