Vortec Head on older block
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
Vortec Head on older block
Other than needing a different intake and valve covers is their anything that I will encounter when installing 12558062 vortec heads on an early 350 block? Just wanting to make sure before I get very far into this project. Thanks Larry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
No, as you stated, you need Vortec valve covers and intake. Everything else is pretty straight forward.
If you have a non stock cam in your short block, you will need to match spring and free travel in the heads to the cam.
It's a good idea to use new head bolts.
Mike
If you have a non stock cam in your short block, you will need to match spring and free travel in the heads to the cam.
It's a good idea to use new head bolts.
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 479
Likes: 93
From: Tennessee
Yes. I bought and installed a thermostat housing that has a threaded port for the temp sender. It takes a little bit longer to register on the gauge but it is accurate once the thermostat opens.
Last edited by ykf7b0; Jul 3, 2017 at 06:16 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
There is a passage that comes up from the water pump to the head deck on the front passenger side of the block. Older heads have a hole that matches and goes to the water passage but the Vortec heads don't have the hole. I'd put the hole through the head into the water passage. It might not be necessary but it won't hurt to put it there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
I just installed some Vortec heads on a late 70s block. By the time I modified them for a high lift cam, etc. etc., I think it would have been better in the long run to get some $800 Blueprint aluminum heads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Also I didn't use any type of coolant bypass and I haven't had any problem in thousands of miles.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 479
Likes: 93
From: Tennessee
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
Just FYI - on my Ram Jet 350 everything bolted up just fine. PS, Alt Bracket, and I even added aftermarket A/C that bracket bolted up also.
I have my thermostat drilled with little vent holes and it also compensates for the lack of coolant passage.
See here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tec-heads.html
I have my thermostat drilled with little vent holes and it also compensates for the lack of coolant passage.
See here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tec-heads.html
Last edited by carriljc; Jul 7, 2017 at 11:08 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Think summit GMPP SDPC sells the new vortecs aleady modded for that amount. Almost not worth upgrading used ones.
Know of a guy who has some nice bowtie vortecs (185cc runner) done up for around $800 850 if youre interested I can put you in touch .
Know of a guy who has some nice bowtie vortecs (185cc runner) done up for around $800 850 if youre interested I can put you in touch .
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 183
From: Port St. Lucie Fl
Just FYI - on my Ram Jet 350 everything bolted up just fine. PS, Alt Bracket, and I even added aftermarket A/C that bracket bolted up also.
I have my thermostat drilled with little vent holes and it also compensates for the lack of coolant passage.
See here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tec-heads.html
I have my thermostat drilled with little vent holes and it also compensates for the lack of coolant passage.
See here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tec-heads.html
I know it conflicts with the alt. bracket, ac support rod on serp brackets and throttle cable mounts on my k10. My vette didnt have ac on it when I bought it so no idea what that bracket and factory throttle mounts look like.