Vortec vs. 041/186 heads
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: James Island South Carolina
Vortec vs. 041/186 heads
The advertisements for Vortec heads cite a 30hp increae over stock heads. Are the they referring to the smog heads on my '80?
How do Vortec heads compare to the double hump 186's or the 041's (with 194 intake) that I have now. I'm considering the heads that Scoggin Dickey sells as a kit (will the Air gap work under a stock hood as well?)with stronger valve springs. Thanks for any input.
How do Vortec heads compare to the double hump 186's or the 041's (with 194 intake) that I have now. I'm considering the heads that Scoggin Dickey sells as a kit (will the Air gap work under a stock hood as well?)with stronger valve springs. Thanks for any input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
If you have a domed piston, such as those in the 350/350hp L46, I am advised by Scoggin-Dickey that the Vortecs, with their revised heart-shaped comb chamber, will NOT accomodate. If you are running flat-top (with valve reliefs) OR dished pistons, the vortecs will accomodate.
The vortecs draw upon the revised port designs of the 'Gen II' engines of the mid-90's (ex. LT4). So, comparing flow of the vortec vs. the 186, you will see improved flow/performance with the vortecs. The combustion chamber designs are also changed/improved.
Having said that, a good porting job, gasket match to intake, and 3-angle valve job on a rebuilt set of 186's will also yield visible performance improvements... This is what I will be doing with my 350/350hp along with guides and hardened exhaust seats as I do not intend to remove the stock domed pistons (11:1). Price I am quoted is $250 plus $8 per valve guide...
The vortecs draw upon the revised port designs of the 'Gen II' engines of the mid-90's (ex. LT4). So, comparing flow of the vortec vs. the 186, you will see improved flow/performance with the vortecs. The combustion chamber designs are also changed/improved.
Having said that, a good porting job, gasket match to intake, and 3-angle valve job on a rebuilt set of 186's will also yield visible performance improvements... This is what I will be doing with my 350/350hp along with guides and hardened exhaust seats as I do not intend to remove the stock domed pistons (11:1). Price I am quoted is $250 plus $8 per valve guide...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 559
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From: James Island South Carolina
Originally Posted by TedH
If you have a domed piston, such as those in the 350/350hp L46, I am advised by Scoggin-Dickey that the Vortecs, with their revised heart-shaped comb chamber, will NOT accomodate. If you are running flat-top (with valve reliefs) OR dished pistons, the vortecs will accomodate.
The vortecs draw upon the revised port designs of the 'Gen II' engines of the mid-90's (ex. LT4). So, comparing flow of the vortec vs. the 186, you will see improved flow/performance with the vortecs. The combustion chamber designs are also changed/improved.
Having said that, a good porting job, gasket match to intake, and 3-angle valve job on a rebuilt set of 186's will also yield visible performance improvements... This is what I will be doing with my 350/350hp along with guides and hardened exhaust seats as I do not intend to remove the stock domed pistons (11:1). Price I am quoted is $250 plus $8 per valve guide...
The vortecs draw upon the revised port designs of the 'Gen II' engines of the mid-90's (ex. LT4). So, comparing flow of the vortec vs. the 186, you will see improved flow/performance with the vortecs. The combustion chamber designs are also changed/improved.
Having said that, a good porting job, gasket match to intake, and 3-angle valve job on a rebuilt set of 186's will also yield visible performance improvements... This is what I will be doing with my 350/350hp along with guides and hardened exhaust seats as I do not intend to remove the stock domed pistons (11:1). Price I am quoted is $250 plus $8 per valve guide...
I know the hood clearance question is brought up frequently, but does an intake really sit any higher on Vortec heads than the stock heads?
Thanks again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I believe that the intake manifold manufacturers will provide (via website) the height characteristics of their respective intake manifolds. Having said that, as long as the height iof the intake is equal to or less than the Edelbrock Performer (2101 or 3701) intake, you SHOULD be ok.
My understanding is that the vortec heads themselves do not cause an intake to sit higher than the OEM style heads. But, to be safe, I would inquire with Scoggin-Dickey's tech line via their website. They are very good at investigating and responding to inquiries. I got the info on the domed pistons and vortec head clearance from them in 1-2 days.
My understanding is that the vortec heads themselves do not cause an intake to sit higher than the OEM style heads. But, to be safe, I would inquire with Scoggin-Dickey's tech line via their website. They are very good at investigating and responding to inquiries. I got the info on the domed pistons and vortec head clearance from them in 1-2 days.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 624
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From: Marietta ga
Does your 250 include porting???? That seems cheap
As for the 041's you can put bigger valves in them and make good power for not too much cash.
If you are planning on changing your intake and valves anyways, you might consider the vortechs.
I know the airgap will fit with stock heads, but I am not sure about the Airgap that is made for the vortechs. I would call edelbrock or summit and ask them, as they have the height specs.... You might even find the specs on their sites.
The Airgap RPM fits, but not without modifications. I had to run a 2in airfilter dropbase with a 3in tall air filter and cut off my choke tower. I also had get rid of my carb stud, as the wing nut hit my hook. You can just use a regular bolt. I have about 1/8in of clearance
I was told it would not fit by edlebrock when the manifold came out. After a little tinkering it fit fine
As for the 041's you can put bigger valves in them and make good power for not too much cash.
If you are planning on changing your intake and valves anyways, you might consider the vortechs.
I know the airgap will fit with stock heads, but I am not sure about the Airgap that is made for the vortechs. I would call edelbrock or summit and ask them, as they have the height specs.... You might even find the specs on their sites.
The Airgap RPM fits, but not without modifications. I had to run a 2in airfilter dropbase with a 3in tall air filter and cut off my choke tower. I also had get rid of my carb stud, as the wing nut hit my hook. You can just use a regular bolt. I have about 1/8in of clearance
I was told it would not fit by edlebrock when the manifold came out. After a little tinkering it fit fine
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by TedH
This is what I will be doing with my 350/350hp along with guides and hardened exhaust seats as I do not intend to remove the stock domed pistons (11:1). Price I am quoted is $250 plus $8 per valve guide...
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Marietta ga
Originally Posted by surfshark
How about this... If I just go with the Vortecs and the Edelbrock Performer intake, would there be much of a difference between the Performer and the Air Gap? Thanks!
P.S. A good head porter will ask for your cam card and build your heads to the cam.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Originally Posted by jackson
Suggest DO NOT put "Guides" in IRON sbc heads unless they cannot be tightened up with "Liners" ... liners are thin wall bronze tubes ... guides are bulky and usually end up extending into bowl & restricting flow ... liners do not ... liners are easier & cheaper to install ... and last a LONG time. NO BODY , NONE around here with any experience use guides in race classes requiring production iron heads ... liners only.
