Vortec Crack

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Sep 12, 2008 | 08:27 PM

bytor

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Instructor

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 233

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From: Simpsonville SC

Vortec Crack

Took my used Vortec heads to a local machine shop today to have them cleaned and pressure checked. The guy at the shop said that the Vortec heads are prone for cracks around one on the center head bolt holes.

Cracked Head

Sure enough, he did a quick mag flux while I was there and both of mine had a small hairline crack. It's repairable and and isn't that big of a deal if its caught early enough.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Sep 12, 2008 | 08:30 PM

Guru_4_hire

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA

Cruise-In IV Veteran

Cruise-In V Veteran

Notorious problem. Not the first I have heard of it.

The Bowtie small port would probably right up your alley.

Sep 12, 2008 | 09:03 PM

slapshot 496

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 102

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From: Coldbrook Nova Scotia

The VORTECS are a great head for making power and really wake up a 327-350 however longjevity is a serious issue..Very prone to cracking!!!!!!

Sep 12, 2008 | 09:15 PM

billla

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Seattle WA

St. Jude Donor '14

Can you post the casting number?

This is why I generally suggest just buying new - cheaper

Sep 12, 2008 | 09:17 PM

bytor

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 233

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From: Simpsonville SC

Casting# 10239906

Sep 13, 2008 | 09:39 AM

Durango_Boy

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Columbia Missouri

So far I have had four sets of Vortec heads Magnafluxed and no cracks were found. Ranging from '96 to '99.

Sep 13, 2008 | 10:09 AM

L88Plus

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 1,883

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From: Lubbock TX

I've handled several used sets and the only ones I've seen that were cracked were overheated pretty badly, I haven't found a single cracked head that came off of a running engine.

Sep 13, 2008 | 03:06 PM

hotrodrik

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 64

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From: Warren Mi

vortec cracks

I had a set i had to pull off of a car , coolant in the oil , one head cracked.. only buy them new

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Sep 13, 2008 | 03:13 PM

Project80

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Joined: Mar 2008

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bytor

Casting# 10239906

"For you junkyard hunters, be forewarned that some ¾- and 1-ton trucks came with Vortec heads equipped with a specially hardened exhaust seat that kills low- and mid-lift flow. Casting number 10239906 should be avoided"

This info came from a magazine article about Vortecs.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/ho...458/index.html

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