7t9l82

come on light the fuse!!

BKbroiler

Well until Florida79 gets back we can continue on a tangent. The Autolite 103 plugs stay very light in mine so I think they are a good starting point. I gap them at .045, like the factory setting.

70ZZ3 96LT4

anyone know how much horsepower can be gained by replacing the original aluminum heads on an 1987 Corvette with Vortex heads?

scottyp99

I'm pretty sure your TPI won't bolt up to a set of Vortecs, so it's a little more complicated than that. Also, I can't wrap my head around replacing aluminum heads with cast-iron heads, anyway.

Scott

Priya

You need a Scoggins Dickey TPI/Vortec lower intake manifold to do it. Just the Vortec heads and that lower intake on an otherwise stock TPI motor will raise output from 250 hp to 300 hp:

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...d/viewall.html

I just bought one of the Scoggins Dickey Vortec/TPI baseplates myself. I'm in the process of collecting pieces to TPI/Vortec my 79 L82.

Florida 79

Finally started. The problem was valve lash. I over adjusted and once the lifters filled with oil, everything opened wide open.
Sounds good now, haven't really done anything except get it down off of the blocks.

Florida 79

I went with AC/Delco R44 LTS.

Florida 79

Went back to the original Q-jet that came on the car. It's responding better to adjustments. Going to run for a while and enjoy. If I dyno, I'll come back and update.
Most parts;
Scoggin Dickey Vortec Heads
Edelbrock Performer 2116
Comp Cams Roller Rocker Arms (1.52:1) 1417-16
GM Beehive springs 12499224
Comp Cams spring retainer 787-16
Comp Cam 268H .454/.454
Power Force harmonic balancer
Edlebrock air cleaner 1221
Perma Dry oil pan gasket

It fit under the stock hood and runs great. Next will be a new Holley and MDS ignition. Or maybe carpet and a dash...
thanks for following.

Florida 79

Before and After

cv67

Skip the MSD and get a high quality HEI youll be happier and more $ in your pockets(MSD user here)

MrJlr

Came out beautiful! You did a great job and should be proud

scottyp99

The title of this thread is "Vortec heads coming soon!" So...when are the heads going to be here?

Just kidding, I would like to hear a little about how she drives. You must be feeling a noticeable increase in power, no? I'm planning a similar upgrade on a L48 (Flo-tek heads, 272/.454" 110) and I'm anxious to hear about your experience!

Scott

7t9l82

you won't believe the difference.

JJvette73

I would like to hear a little about how she drives. You must be feeling a noticeable increase in power, no? I'm planning a similar upgrade on a L48 (Flo-tek heads, 272/.454" 110) and I'm anxious to hear about your experience!

Scott[/QUOTE]

Me Too!!!
I'm doing this upgrade this spring as well! Would also love to hear about your experience and your opinion on changes in performance!!

JJ

Florida 79

Just ironing out the carb tuning. Still running the Q-jet. It has a lower sound, good acceleration, very happy.
Should I have done aluminum heads...still not sure, either way I would still have gotten a new intake manifold and valve covers. The only real extra expense was the beehive springs. The new heads actually came with rockers, but I bought comp cams rollers instead. I figure that I did the whole thing, (radiator, balancer and all the other crap that you will replace) for the price that I would have paid for a set of AFR heads.
And yes, sometimes it is about the money.
But in general, yes very happy, much, much more power. Enjoying the car more now, and proud to open the hood.

commander_47

I opted the cheaper route, but also, seems to me that Cast Iron heads are less likely to warp and cause longevity problems. A little more robust at the expense of weight.

Anyway, that's how I justified not spending on aluminum

Just seemed to me that for the driving I do, iron is just fine. And I have tons of power now. Easily gets rubber in all four to impress the grand kids!!

I didn't want a full blown race car, just something I wasn't embarrassed to drive or show off.

And your motor sure does look good

Now just get a decent Holley working.

Florida 79

Added a 80670 Holley Avenger. What a difference. Finally running like a real engine. I think the old Q-Jet was just done.
Very happy with the way it turned out. The Holley is about the same height, so all fit ok.

bluedawg

Lars might buy you qjet from ya.

scottyp99

Don't you just love a brand-spankin' new carb right out of the box? So clean and shiny and new! Then, you bolt it onto an engine, and it just never looks as nice again, no matter what you do. Ah, well...that's life.

Scott