Vortek Heads on L48
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 357
Likes: 15
From: Marshville, NC
Vortek Heads on L48
My 78 has the original L48 engine with the cylinder heads, Eldebrock Performer Intake side mount headers. If I install some Vortek heads to improve on the performance I'm aware I will have to change the intake manifold. Will the headers for the original heads bolt up to the Vortek heads? If not can someone suggest some heads that will bolt up to the headers? This is a weekend driver mostly, just looking for some better performance with better free flowing heads.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
Unless you're getting the Vortec heads for free and having someone do a valve job,machining for better springs and rockers also for free,there are likely better aftermarket choices in either steel or aluminum...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 476
Likes: 37
From: Lynnwood WA
My 78 has the original L48 engine with the cylinder heads, Eldebrock Performer Intake side mount headers. If I install some Vortek heads to improve on the performance I'm aware I will have to change the intake manifold. Will the headers for the original heads bolt up to the Vortek heads? If not can someone suggest some heads that will bolt up to the headers? This is a weekend driver mostly, just looking for some better performance with better free flowing heads.
Zorro.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
Summit has a set of Vortec heads that have higher lift, and yes the exhaust will fit up. I did this and the heads are great. I was on a low budget so they were a great option. I think they were $339 each. I also put in a XE268 Comp cam and it woke it up big time. I did a thread on this. The Vortec heads are good and cheap - not the greatest but a good value.
Here are the Summit heads: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...make/chevrolet
Here are the Summit heads: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...make/chevrolet
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
I went with a Vortec heads via a kit from SD Parts it had bolts, gaskets, intake, rocker arms. I needed to buy push rods, valve covers and spark plugs. The L48 heads needed 400 to rework old smog heads.
The heads raise the carb so you need a drop base air cleaner and the exhausts ports are higher, not sure but .75" sounds right, it was not a problem
Looking back, I should have looked for cast iron heads with 64 cc chambers, like Brodie with .500 lift springs, Edlelbrock intake and made the engine bay look stock. But I was novice engine guy who wanted a kit.
The heads raise the carb so you need a drop base air cleaner and the exhausts ports are higher, not sure but .75" sounds right, it was not a problem
Looking back, I should have looked for cast iron heads with 64 cc chambers, like Brodie with .500 lift springs, Edlelbrock intake and made the engine bay look stock. But I was novice engine guy who wanted a kit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
How was your high rpm performance with those heads. Did they stop making power early on? Just wondering how the 165 cc intake runner performed. Ever get it dyno'd?
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 357
Likes: 15
From: Marshville, NC
Thanks for all the replies, I am leaning towards the Dart 15213 heads so I can keep my Performer Intake. Now I need to match it to a cam that will give improvement from off idle to about 5000 rpm. Most of my driving is on weekends taking short trips to town and occasional trips less than 100 miles. 350 automatic 3:08 gears and stock converter. Any suggestions on the cam with these heads ?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 51
From: Angier nc
The comp XE262 or similar Lunati Voodoo grind should work well.Many others as well.Keep the gross duration around 260 and you will be fine with 3.08 gears.
Between the heads,increase in compression,and a better cam it will give it some PUNCH.Don't forget to curve the distributor if you haven't already.
Between the heads,increase in compression,and a better cam it will give it some PUNCH.Don't forget to curve the distributor if you haven't already.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
The comp XE262 or similar Lunati Voodoo grind should work well.Many others as well.Keep the gross duration around 260 and you will be fine with 3.08 gears.
Between the heads,increase in compression,and a better cam it will give it some PUNCH.Don't forget to curve the distributor if you haven't already.
Between the heads,increase in compression,and a better cam it will give it some PUNCH.Don't forget to curve the distributor if you haven't already.
I have 64cc heads with flat top pistons and a small .34-35 quench though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
I'm betting this cam would do well with those Dart heads.
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2324
Have a few here who have this cam and are pleased with it.
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2324
Have a few here who have this cam and are pleased with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
I'm betting this cam would do well with those Dart heads.
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2324
Have a few here who have this cam and are pleased with it.
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2324
Have a few here who have this cam and are pleased with it.
it also brought my dynamic compression down enough to where I can run 91 octane gas with the iron heads.
I am using 1.6 rockers and an rpm clone intake to squeeze out as much possible power as possible on a budget.
BTW, I know those numbers are higher than what it likely really puts out. For some reason the flow numbers from the heads just workedwell with the cam I chose and the software showed a nice bump in power of the others I tried in the simulation including the comp lineup.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Aug 15, 2015 at 04:50 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 188
From: Wabasha Mn
I rarely go over 5000 rpm but with the Isky 228-228 solid cam on a 108 lsa I have awsome low and midrange power. Using a Zz4 intake with a 600 Edel. No dyno testing but the 152123 heads are certainly a big improvement over the crappy 624 heads they replaced !! For $630 they are a real bargain in my opinion.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
Vortec heads require Vortec-compatible intake
I have Vortec heads on my GM Performance 350 HO and it performs quite well. If you find a good deal on some Vortec heads (junk yards usually have them) and you're looking for a Vortec intake, let me know. I'm ready to sell my GM low-profile Vortec intake in the C3 Parts section. It fits under a stock '80 hood with a 3" filter on a drop base.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY