fast burn 350
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Warwick Rhode Island
Durango Boy, how much horsepower do you estimate can be gained going with the swap you outlined? First let me tell you what I currently have - L-82 (auto) with smog equipment still attached, stock intake manifold and exhaust mainfolds, stock Y-pipe exhaust w/ the "pancake" cat no less! Unfortunately, funds aren't falling out of the trees these days, but I do plan on getting headers (type to be determined - maybe some McJacks) and an Allens chambered exhaust system. I will be removing the smog crap as well. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Durango Boy, how much horsepower do you estimate can be gained going with the swap you outlined? First let me tell you what I currently have - L-82 (auto) with smog equipment still attached, stock intake manifold and exhaust mainfolds, stock Y-pipe exhaust w/ the "pancake" cat no less! Unfortunately, funds aren't falling out of the trees these days, but I do plan on getting headers (type to be determined - maybe some McJacks) and an Allens chambered exhaust system. I will be removing the smog crap as well.
While I don't know your stock HP numbers, if you can do the Vortec swap, AND install headers and 2.5" exhaust with some good mufflers, you're looking at right around 300 HP at the wheels...based on a forum member that did the Vortec swap to his L82. You'll have a rough new compression ratio of about 9.5:1. The whole swap, without touching the bottom could cost around $500 - $600 if you find good deals on the heads. If you do a bottom end rebuild and bore the block, you can add another $600.
That doesn't include the exhaust.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
I haven't been on the forum in years, and back then only to get a new rear cap since mine has decomposed. This is my first post in a loooooong time!
I'm planning a vortec swap on my '76 L48 soon. My plans are to use the stock carburetor, exhaust manifolds (the exhaust has been replaced with 2-1/2" tubes and magnaflow muffs years ago). The engine is unmodified now, with 56,000 miles so I'm going to roll the dice and leave the bottom end alone except for a new oil pump, rear main seal, and one-piece gasket. Other thoughts:
So far my parts list is around $1000 after paying $175 for the heads plus having them cleaned up & magged. I'm not sure what valves & guides they may need.
Will the Edelbrock intake really fit? That would shave $100 off of the budget, which is a welcome change.
Any other thoughts/suggestions/rebukes?
I'm planning a vortec swap on my '76 L48 soon. My plans are to use the stock carburetor, exhaust manifolds (the exhaust has been replaced with 2-1/2" tubes and magnaflow muffs years ago). The engine is unmodified now, with 56,000 miles so I'm going to roll the dice and leave the bottom end alone except for a new oil pump, rear main seal, and one-piece gasket. Other thoughts:
So far my parts list is around $1000 after paying $175 for the heads plus having them cleaned up & magged. I'm not sure what valves & guides they may need.
Will the Edelbrock intake really fit? That would shave $100 off of the budget, which is a welcome change.
Any other thoughts/suggestions/rebukes?
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
This is a very popular cam and lifter combo for the Vortec swap. Seems to make great power, and at a good low price.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...3&autoview=sku
Maybe look into it. I think they even have a slightly more aggressive one than that too.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yep, all the accessory holes on the Vortec heads are the same as your stock heads. The Vortec intake might pose some mounting issues but they make them to mimic the stock intake only using a different bolt pattern.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Which one? Link it. I have used Profession Products intakes, which are Edelbrock imitations, and they work great. Yes, they are Chinese made and cheaper, but they are based on a proven design and give or take some cheaper casting clean up, they flow very well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
From: Mexico NY
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yep, that'll work great.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I actually had two of them when Professional Products started making intakes. I had one on a 350, though it as not a Vortec, it flowed greet. I have also used them a lot on Mopar engines, and there is nothing wrong with them. The Vortec version again, is just a copy of the Edelbrock version. Edelbrock is made in America, but PP intakes are cheaper. Nothing wrong with using them if you're on a budget.