81pilot

Anybody runnin these? I have been given a good set(haven't picked them up yet), and was wondering with a good matching cam if they are a decent head.(I think they are 2.02, 1.61 heads) I like them because all of the ports are stock and it gives me more options including intakes etc...I know they are not aluminum, but the things I have read show some decent gains with them after a little bit of work, shrouds etc.. If you say to buy Vortecs, please tell me why they are so much better than the old Camel's for the money...Thanks,

gkull

40+ year old head designs have poor chamber shape. Modern heads have fastburn technology. Very low 220 or so CFM of intake flow. Pressed in rocker studs. Rotator retainer cups and spring shields. Poor spark plug location and depth of threads.........

They are not worth putting a dime into.

toddalin

Great heads that make good power and torque when properly prepared. But..., no accessory bolt holes if that's important to you.

Clams Canino

Listen to Gkull...

-W

81pilot

I understand that I will need a new intake with Vortec Heads, but can I reuse my headers? And can I get a spreadbore intake for the vortec heads?(guess I can use an adapter) I like the Qjet. Thanks

'75

Your headers will bolt right up and you can get a vortec intake that will accept the q-jet.

69autoXr

What's the rest of the number? I can't find any 491 heads referenced on this page http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm. I could just not be seeing it though.

81pilot

I think they are 461's not 491's. I was just going by my flawed memory! :O)

81pilot

Thanks, I think I will go that route. I can spend the next few months building the heads and gathering parts and a cam and lifters so it is all matched properly then do it as a winter project next winter, along with my new gears. She runs good now, I just can't leave well enough alone!!

BKbroiler

You will also need self-aligning rocker arms to work with the Vortec heads. Not a big expense.

Korevette

I have a set of 'Ol Camel Humpers' on a 406 drag engine... They were original 1.94 modified to 2.02 with Z-28 Springs, Manley valves, guide plates and a 'heavy' street port job. I have put $1,600.00 dollars into these heads back in 1992. They did the best that I could afford back then.

The point I want to make is do the best you can within your budget. There is so much hype out there of the most greatest hot rod item that I am sure the vendors can not believe we all have gone this long without them.

We made 425 horse power in a old 1963 Sport Deluxe Acadian that ran 11:82 on Chevrolet parts.

Do lots of research and compile your findings, you will come to a conclusion either way.

Dano,

81pilot

Yea, I understand. I am also looking into building a 383. I got time, and enjoy working on engines. I also need to teach my soon to be son in law a little about working on cars! I just got my headers on my 81 today, not too bad of a job. I will either pull and refrecsh the engine will some higher performance top end parts, or start a stroker this summer with an old 4 bolt sittin in my buddy's shop. Thanks!!!

toddalin

Pocket porting, 3-angle valve job, 2.02/1.60, port-match will wake those camel humps right up with an easy increase of 30++ hp. You will feel the difference.

I had mine done for the cost of $300 way back when, and my mild 331 did 293 RWHP (>300 now) with excellent street manners with the 327/350 hp cam. This equates to over 360 crank HP from a 9.5:1 compression engine that can burn regular.

Still, there is a definite weight savings with Al.