Diving into new engine - Got questions
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 56
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From: Lubbock TX
Diving into new engine - Got questions
I am heading toward a GM crate engine, the 330HP 350. Getting it W/O intake, carb and such. This is going in 79 which at present has the L82. I have an Edlebrock Q-jet which I plan to reuse. Two questions. Will the original exhaust manifolds fit the Vortec heads? ( If not, if I go with headers, I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP REPLACING MY STARTER EVERY SIX MONTHS, what headers would be best for that problem). Next, What intake can I get that works with this engine and fits under the hood? I will keep the stock hood and go with a KN filter and associated breather cover. Intake needs to work for the Edlebrock or a Holley if latter I decide I dont like the Q-jet.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 2
From: somewhere between heaven and hell WI
I am in the middle of a ZZ4 crate motor swap into a 77 right now. We bought the turn key motor so it has intake,carb, serp set up and all the accessories, so I cannot help much on the intake question, however it has the vortec heads and I was planning on using the stock manifolds.
From what I understand, they will bot up, but the ports on the head are D shaped and the manifold are round/oval. I was going to work on it today, so I was going to try to line them up to the motor and see what the difference is. I was going to see if I can port them a bit to get a closer match to the port.
However I have heard they will bolt up and funstion as they are but there may be a performance difference. It should not be enought to notice. I am also not going with headers for many reasons including issues with spark plug access, heat and the big one, having to modify the exhaust. There is a new dual 2.5" exhaust and at this point I dont want to modify that.
From what I understand, they will bot up, but the ports on the head are D shaped and the manifold are round/oval. I was going to work on it today, so I was going to try to line them up to the motor and see what the difference is. I was going to see if I can port them a bit to get a closer match to the port.
However I have heard they will bolt up and funstion as they are but there may be a performance difference. It should not be enought to notice. I am also not going with headers for many reasons including issues with spark plug access, heat and the big one, having to modify the exhaust. There is a new dual 2.5" exhaust and at this point I dont want to modify that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Stock exhaust manifolds will work on Vortec heads.
With a drop base air cleaner, just about any intake that fits the Vortec heads will fit under the hood of a 79, especially if you don't need an adapter between carb and manifold. Therefore you should decide if you want a spreadbore carb (Qjet) or squarebore (Holley etc.).
With a drop base air cleaner, just about any intake that fits the Vortec heads will fit under the hood of a 79, especially if you don't need an adapter between carb and manifold. Therefore you should decide if you want a spreadbore carb (Qjet) or squarebore (Holley etc.).
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Who told you that you would need a new starter in six month, been toying with hotrods since the '70s and never had a problem.
I see you live in Texas so I would imagine it gets pretty hot, you can use header wrap or a shield if you have a starter problem
*I put this on all my posts: Please post back to those who helped you, the final outcome of your initial post
I see you live in Texas so I would imagine it gets pretty hot, you can use header wrap or a shield if you have a starter problem
*I put this on all my posts: Please post back to those who helped you, the final outcome of your initial post
