Vortec heads questions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7,154
Likes: 1
From: I blame my Dyslexia MD
Vortec heads questions
If i were to put the base line chevy vortec heads, possibly used right form a truck engine, on my L48 what other thigns would have to change. The intake has to be a vortec, right? Ive head something about 4 and 6 bolt versions along with versions to bolt on old style intakes or something like that. Im jsut looking for some clarity on this matter. Also how much work would it be to modify the setup to be a roller cam from there.
Also if anyone has looked into getting used vortec heads right from a truck, possibly via junkyard, what can i expect to pay for them.
Also what type of cam could i run with those and keep it streetable with a stock turbo350.
Also as far as intakes go what could fit under my stock sb hood with a edlebrock 600 performer series carb and 2 inch drop base air cleaner. Its already hittign the insulation with the stock setup, edlebrock carb, air cleaner, and square to spread bore adapter.
And my last question is will my stock exhaust manifolds fit or do i need to redo my exhaust for the new style?
MAtt
[Modified by pillowmeto, 3:18 AM 12/17/2003]
[Modified by pillowmeto, 3:25 AM 12/17/2003]
Also if anyone has looked into getting used vortec heads right from a truck, possibly via junkyard, what can i expect to pay for them.
Also what type of cam could i run with those and keep it streetable with a stock turbo350.
Also as far as intakes go what could fit under my stock sb hood with a edlebrock 600 performer series carb and 2 inch drop base air cleaner. Its already hittign the insulation with the stock setup, edlebrock carb, air cleaner, and square to spread bore adapter.
And my last question is will my stock exhaust manifolds fit or do i need to redo my exhaust for the new style?
MAtt
[Modified by pillowmeto, 3:18 AM 12/17/2003]
[Modified by pillowmeto, 3:25 AM 12/17/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,925
Likes: 0
From: Paradise City
Re: Vortec heads questions (pillowmeto)
Wheeeeeee! Here we go!
You will need a matching intake, Edelbrock makes one, and companies like Scoggin-Dickey also sell them. In addition, you'll need centerbolt valve covers. Again, S-D sells the heads/intake/gaskets/valve covers at a pretty reasonable price (c. $800 for the whole thing).
I'm not sure about the roller cam, that's an issue for your block, irrelevant to the heads. As for the cam, the lift limit (on stock, unmodified Vortecs) on them is I believe .475" and then you'll get binding. You can grind the valve seat down yourself with a cutter, or have a shop to it for a small fee. Or, you can buy high lift Vortecs (any GMPP dealer) with seats cut, OR you can use the new LS1 style beehive springs (and do no modifying of the seat), the choice is yours. With the upgraded lift, I believe you can go up to .525" lift. It should fit under your stock hood, but I'm sure someone else might chime in. In any event you could use a drop base air filter. Finally, I'm certain you can reuse your old exhaust. :cheers: :cheers:
You will need a matching intake, Edelbrock makes one, and companies like Scoggin-Dickey also sell them. In addition, you'll need centerbolt valve covers. Again, S-D sells the heads/intake/gaskets/valve covers at a pretty reasonable price (c. $800 for the whole thing).
I'm not sure about the roller cam, that's an issue for your block, irrelevant to the heads. As for the cam, the lift limit (on stock, unmodified Vortecs) on them is I believe .475" and then you'll get binding. You can grind the valve seat down yourself with a cutter, or have a shop to it for a small fee. Or, you can buy high lift Vortecs (any GMPP dealer) with seats cut, OR you can use the new LS1 style beehive springs (and do no modifying of the seat), the choice is yours. With the upgraded lift, I believe you can go up to .525" lift. It should fit under your stock hood, but I'm sure someone else might chime in. In any event you could use a drop base air filter. Finally, I'm certain you can reuse your old exhaust. :cheers: :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: Dixie TN
Re: Vortec heads questions (pillowmeto)
I am thinking of buying vortec heads also. My question is can I buy Dart or other heads that use a regular alum. intake? I already have 2 regular ones. I am on a budget, and the vortec heads look like a good buy. Maybee I could do better with cast dart heads or alum. heads if they don't cost to much. Thanks in advance. :conehead
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Maryland
Re: Vortec heads questions (pillowmeto)
Just went thru the exact retro on my 78. Bought the complete kit from Pace Performance for $795. I put a .460 lift mid range cam a few months prior to this upgrade and it wetted my appetite for more power. The vortec head uses self aligning rockers witch come in the kit. I decided on the Edelbrock alluminum intake wit the new holley street avenger four barrel carb and yes it does sit a lot higher. I do have an aftermarket L88 Hood on so I didn't have any clearance problems. Don't know if it will clear a stock hood. I finished it off with true dual flowmasters and jet coated hooker headers.
The number for Pace is 1-888-748-4670. I would call their tech department to see if it'll fit with stock hood. Hope this helps.
The number for Pace is 1-888-748-4670. I would call their tech department to see if it'll fit with stock hood. Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,925
Likes: 0
From: Paradise City
Re: Vortec heads questions (Ak. Mal)
Hey Ak, did you see my post and figure I was going to tell him not to poke out someones eyes with an umbrella, get in his noisy truck, and drive away :p: :jester :cheers:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7,154
Likes: 1
From: I blame my Dyslexia MD
Re: Vortec heads questions (comp)
sounds good
Im trying to do a extremly low cost L48 build up. Im thinking im just going to go to the junk yard and pull some from a truck my self. So i should just need gaskets, inatke, and valve covers.
Now to get that extra lift do i just buy the bee hive LS1 valve springs and replace them?
MAtt
Im trying to do a extremly low cost L48 build up. Im thinking im just going to go to the junk yard and pull some from a truck my self. So i should just need gaskets, inatke, and valve covers.
Now to get that extra lift do i just buy the bee hive LS1 valve springs and replace them?
MAtt
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7,154
Likes: 1
From: I blame my Dyslexia MD
Re: Vortec heads questions (comp)
Im trying to build this baby for nothing, well near nothing. Hopefully by this summer. now im just debating roller or flat tappet cam. I have a good flat tappet already but the roller might be worth the extra price.
MAtt
MAtt
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis IN
Re: Vortec heads questions (pillowmeto)
There is a article in chevy high performance mag called danger mouse. They have tried several dozen combos of heads, cams, manifolds and such. It is VERY interesting reading. They came to the conclusion that the Vortec heads were excellent performers and the best bang for the buck. I can't remember the exact combo they came up with but the performance was impressive, especially for the money.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Kona Hi
Re: Vortec heads questions (blunsford)
Here's some info on Votrecs that might help......
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/97458/
[Modified by Chevyguy, 7:46 AM 12/18/2003]
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/howto/97458/
[Modified by Chevyguy, 7:46 AM 12/18/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
Re: Vortec heads questions (Chevyguy)
If I remember correctly from those articles, they also had to put a fair bit of "shop work" (different valve springs, 3-angle valve job, pocket porting) into those heads to get to 400hp/400ft-lbs TQ...............in addition to running SuperUnl to keep it from pinging. So read carefully, their initial cheap cost can add up quickly if you're looking for good #'s (& you'll need a new intake).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: Vortec heads questions (Fast81)
I went with used vortec heads. I purchased them already rebuilt from a machine shop in Charlotte, NC. I paid $400/pair including new Z-28 springs, used stamped vortec rocker arms and center bolt valve covers. I belive he gets them from the junkyard. The only thing I had to buy was an Edelbrock performer vortec intake. I installed headers while I was at it. Call around to your local machine shops and ask about rebuilt vortecs.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7,154
Likes: 1
From: I blame my Dyslexia MD
Re: Vortec heads questions (comp)
Id rather pay 250 at the local junkyard myslef and put ls1 springs on them, clean them up a bit and bolt them on :thumbs:
Maybe a polish or a bit of pocket porting, maybe some seat grinding.
MAtt
Maybe a polish or a bit of pocket porting, maybe some seat grinding.
MAtt
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Re: Vortec heads questions (79Corvette02)
Hey Ak, did you see my post and figure I was going to tell him not to poke out someones eyes with an umbrella, get in his noisy truck, and drive away :p: :jester :cheers:
However, your post = teh funny :lol:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: Vortec heads questions (Ak. Mal)
I read that the older vortecs needed bowl work and grinding 3-angle valve seats and the newer ones already have them. It was in one of the CHP on-line articles. Joe
