vortec heads
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: clarksville, TN, USA tn
vortec heads
the newest issue of "chevy high performance" has an article that claims that the GM performance parts vortec iron heads ($450) perform as well or better than a lot of far mor expensive aluminum heads (such as edelbrock RPM)
has any one tried these? I know aluminum heads are lighter than iron but what are the pros and cons of iron vs aluminum?
If these vortec heads are all they are cracked up to be and cost half as much, they might be the way to go. Yes, they do require special valve covers and intake manifold.
Any comments?
has any one tried these? I know aluminum heads are lighter than iron but what are the pros and cons of iron vs aluminum?
If these vortec heads are all they are cracked up to be and cost half as much, they might be the way to go. Yes, they do require special valve covers and intake manifold.
Any comments?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 668
From: FL
Re: vortec heads (ZD75blue)
These are excellent heads. LAst issue of CHP had a 355 with Vortec heads and the GM HOT cam crank out 423 HP. :eek:
If you want flow info, go to http://www.chevyhiperformance.com and check out the "Cyber Flow to Go". Too much info for me. :yesnod:
If you want flow info, go to http://www.chevyhiperformance.com and check out the "Cyber Flow to Go". Too much info for me. :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: vortec heads (HFP073)
I installed vortech heads about 2 years ago. They bolted on easily and run great. Not sure how much power they added, since I need to rebuild the lower half of my engine and need to install a new cam to fully maximize the vortech heads. Even with an old and tired 350 and a mismatched cam I still dynoed around 250hp and 310 ft-lbs of torque. I hope to increase those numbers to around 350hp and 375-400 ft-lbs of torque with an engine rebuild and new cam. You can't beat them at that price!
P.S The factory springs are not the best. I purchased rebuilt vortech heads with upgraded springs.
Regards,
Jim
[Modified by Jim73, 1:23 PM 10/13/2001]
P.S The factory springs are not the best. I purchased rebuilt vortech heads with upgraded springs.
Regards,
Jim
[Modified by Jim73, 1:23 PM 10/13/2001]
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: clarksville, TN, USA tn
Re: vortec heads (Jim73)
I have a '73 too. You car is probably where I want mine to be in a few years. I will probably go with the vortec heads and edelbrock vortec manifold. My Dynomax headers are currently sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for the used heads with stronger springs? Also, why did you go with the perfomer intake instead of the performer RPM intake? Just wondering? The RPM looks like it performs better but I've heard that it has hood clearance problems.
Thanks for the advice? :seeya
Thanks for the advice? :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: vortec heads (HFP073)
As you are probably aware, the greater Charlotte area is full of nascar mechanics. I found a shop outside Charlotte that specializes in rebuilding used Vortec heads. When he rebuilds them, he installs Pioneer Z-28 springs. He also does a 3 angle valve job and will port and polish if desired. I purchased my head for $400.00 at a local show he attended. I think he normally charges $450.00/pair. Again this is rebuilt to better than factory new. He also has a dyno which I used. I decided to go with the Performer for clearance reasons and the fact that I don't rev my engine to high. With the Performer and a 3" air filter I only have about 1/4" of clearance to the hood. If you have more detailed questions or want to talk with my machine shop, I would be happy to speak with you by phone.
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
