C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

heads for 85

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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 10:47 AM
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Default heads for 85

hello, I want to replace the stock heads on my 85, the valve covers leak all the time. I have replaced them several times but they all ways end up leaking again. well i want some add performance and want to go a little bit bigger with the cam. Was thinking about the 113 or some vortec heads. any imputs.

the motor is stock for now, planning to pull it and rebuild for more performance shortly
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 01:20 PM
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I installed a set of Edelbrock performer heads on my 85. They were $999.98 a pair shipped to my door.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_28929_-1

I bought the 350-60909 ones. They have gone up a little bit in proce since I bought them.
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 02:07 PM
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head choice will depend entirely on your goals for the new engine
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 04:35 PM
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i a, just looking to wake up the motor a little, it is a daily driver and not looking for huge hp gains, looking for 300 - 350 hp
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 05:06 PM
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And what about the intake, that is the major choice that narrows your heads down.

read my website
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 05:58 PM
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You have to use RTV under the valve cover gaskets even if you get the fancy rubber gaskets. If you don't get the fancy gaskets, you should use RTV under and on top of the gasket. This is according the instructions that came with my new GMPP valve covers.

The stock 85 castings are not flat on the top where the valve cover goes on, unlike any aluminum cylinder head I have seen.

Dave
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 85redvette
hello, I want to replace the stock heads on my 85, the valve covers leak all the time. I have replaced them several times but they all ways end up leaking again. well i want some add performance and want to go a little bit bigger with the cam. Was thinking about the 113 or some vortec heads. any imputs.

the motor is stock for now, planning to pull it and rebuild for more performance shortly
Here's a site that gives the specs for 132 heads for a small block. I suggest the large port Vortec. You will need a new intake base. You will get more HP with the Vortec for less money. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te.../photo_26.html

Last edited by Kool88vette; Nov 24, 2006 at 08:08 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 08:52 AM
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I too would recommend the Edelbrock heads. And if you are only going to port your intake or go to a Superram, then dont go too big on the port sizes.

The 113's are OK but you would; probbaly want to port them, then the overall cost would be more, the 113's only gianed @ 5 HP in stock form.

You can only improve your 85 by getting better heads, and if you add a cam, headers and port your intake or pick up some ASM runners and and a new intake base, you will have a nice, better than stock HP and performance capable of mid 12's like Joe90

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/joe90/index.shtml

Be warned, its a run away train if you try to go for "MAX" HP/TQ.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Kool88vette
Here's a site that gives the specs for 132 heads for a small block. I suggest the large port Vortec. You will need a new intake base. You will get more HP with the Vortec for less money. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te.../photo_26.html

Great link.

Does anyone know what casting number heads that the 85's have on them stock?
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by LD85

You can only improve your 85 by getting better heads, and if you add a cam, headers and port your intake or pick up some ASM runners and and a new intake base, you will have a nice, better than stock HP and performance capable of mid 12's like Joe90

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/joe90/index.shtml

Be warned, its a run away train if you try to go for "MAX" HP/TQ.
also a nice link...I have half of the stuff already, lol.
Thanks.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by rel3rd
Great link.

Does anyone know what casting number heads that the 85's have on them stock?
They are 624 heads used in the 1984, 1985, and 1986E C4 engines and also they are 76 ccs
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by LD85
They are 624 heads used in the 1984, 1985, and 1986E C4 engines and also they are 76 ccs
Thanks.
I figured it'd be one that wasn't listed...

Last edited by rel3rd; Nov 25, 2006 at 11:05 AM.
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Old Nov 25, 2006 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 85redvette
hello, I want to replace the stock heads on my 85, the valve covers leak all the time. I have replaced them several times but they all ways end up leaking again. well i want some add performance and want to go a little bit bigger with the cam. Was thinking about the 113 or some vortec heads. any imputs.

the motor is stock for now, planning to pull it and rebuild for more performance shortly
What are we talking about an oil leak? And when you said "I have replaced then several times . . ." are you saying you've replaced the valve covers or the VALVE COVER GASKETS?

If it's just the gaskets, your problem is probably the valve covers themselves.

I had the same problem with the stock valve covers on my Early 86; changed GASKETS so many times I lost count. Turned out to be the valve covers themselves that were warped and wouldn't seal no matter what I did.

I must have spent over $100 on new gaskets, trying all different types including using double gaskets and sensor safe silicone, etc. Nothing worked.

I then bought a set of chrome, steel ACDelco covers (they are made of thicker steel) from Summit Racing and the problem was solved.

Hope this helps.

Jake
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:37 AM
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to make the oil leak stop just buy a set of the rubber gaskets with the metal shim in them, the nice thing about them is you don't have to use any sealant, they cost about $60.
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by mike43725
to make the oil leak stop just buy a set of the rubber gaskets with the metal shim in them, the nice thing about them is you don't have to use any sealant, they cost about $60.
Not always. As I said in my previous post, I tried many different types of valve cover gaskets including the ones you mentioned.

My mag covers were warped and the only way I could solve the problem was to buy new covers.

Jake
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 09:14 PM
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I have perimeter bolt Proforms, they seal well
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