COOLTED

I found a good set of GM Vortec heads for $150 from an acquaintance who is going LS in his old Chevy. I was going to get aftermarket Vortecs because they are more resistant to cracking. How bad are the GM Vortecs for cracking? Is it a mistake to go with the GM heads? What are your experiences? I don't want to do this job twice (of course).

I'm not doing any serious racing, spirited driving and burnouts probably. It will see many interstate miles.

cv67

Get them magnafluxed and checked out first lots of cracked ones out there

By the time you do the basic reconditioning could buy new/upgraded ones unless you just plan on bolting them on as is.

COOLTED

The seller was going to use them, I will check them out but for now I am assuming I can bolt them right on. I am concerned about them cracking after I put them on.

BKbroiler

I've never heard about cracking being such a common problem on Vortec heads. I've been using mine about 10 years now with no problems. Been on and off the engine a few times during that period.

cooper9811

I agree with BK. Have the vortecs checked by a good shop and run them if they pass muster. Those are good pretty darn heads for that kind of money. For what you would spend on them, you can easily absorb the cost of a vortec intake like the 2116 (I see them on ebay/craiglist all the time).

L88Plus

The only ones I've had that were cracked were cooked - overheated badly. I've had several sets with 150K+ miles on them that were fine.
Make sure you clean up the big ridge in the short turns of the exhaust ports, it'll make a difference!

COOLTED

Thanks guys. That is what I wanted to hear.

L88Plus, thanks for the tip!

Gonna call the guy tonight, thanks again!

COOLTED

Well, as luck would have it they were cracked. The search will continue.