vortec heads
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Oxford pa
vortec heads
im thinking of putting a set of vortec heads , manifold , cam and headers with side pipes on my 79 l48 . will my a/c brackets and q jet bolt on or are there major mods i would have to make . thanks any info appreciated
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: South Elgin IL
I'm thinking of the same modification, only not with side pipes. I was looking at S/D and they have a Vortec conversion kit (heads, intake, bolts, gaskets, etc.) that uses an Edelbrock 2116 intake (Performer Vortec). It is supposed to be able to accept a Q-Jet. If not, I know GM Performance Parts makes an aluminum dual plane Vortec Intake that does accept a Q-Jet.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
The flange on the headres is not as thick as the stock exhaust. You will need a spacer to make up the difference. I also had to modify the stock bracket a little to clear the header tube. You can also get custom brackets. Do a search I do not remeber who makes them.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by topwrench
im thinking of putting a set of vortec heads , manifold , cam and headers with side pipes on my 79 l48 . will my a/c brackets and q jet bolt on or are there major mods i would have to make . thanks any info appreciated
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
Gm vs Rhs
Check out the RHS vortec cast irons verses the GM ones. Thicker casting better springs pushrod guides screw in studs. I bought a complete set of E-bay for 675. Better get them quick as I hear the price is going up. Just remember if you use anything above a .480 lift[camshaft] you have to rework the Gm stock ones. 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: South Elgin IL
As I mentioned, S/D has kits and they included upgraded kits with the improved springs, etc. for more aggressive cams. Cut and paste this into your browser to see......
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2172...-Head-Kits.htm
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2172...-Head-Kits.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
I'm in the final stages of a GMPP 350/330 motor with vortec heads swap. The cast brackets for the a/c, power steering, and alternator will bolt up to the accessory holes on the front of the heads, but anything that bolts to the intake manifold is basically out. I have fabricated a couple of pieces to make everything work but have a couple more things to do. I'm not quite sure what to do with the "arm" that goes to the back of the a/c compressor that mounts to the intake but I'll figure it out. I made a bushing for the alt bracket that allows you to put tension on the belt which works great. If your interested I would be glad to send some pics of what I'm doing.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Please bear with me on the pics. I'm visiting family for a couple of days in the mountains of southwest VA. I'll post them as soon as I can!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by 69camfrk
I'm not quite sure what to do with the "arm" that goes to the back of the a/c compressor that mounts to the intake but I'll figure it out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Originally Posted by mandm1200
Here's what I did for the AC bracket that comes from the intake. I don't have access to metal for fabrication so I used what I had. I cut off the ends on the existing bracket. I then took an old, dull 18" x 3/8" drill bit, made 1 bend in it to clear the valve cover, cut it to the proper length, welded the old ends on it, cleaned up my ugly welds with a grinder, and put a couple coats of spray paint on it.. It may sound horrible but it turned out nice.