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

Vortec Heads

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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 10:45 PM
  #1  
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Default Vortec Heads

I am getting ready to replace my engine in my 86 It Has a stock L98 Iron head Motor 148000 miles on it.

I want to go with a 383 replacement power plant.

I priced out parts to re do the L98 to make it where I want it.
But I found I can get a 383 Crate motor with a warenty for the same price what I would pay for parts alone not counting machine work.

The crate motors in my price range have the Vortec heads on the I know I can get a TPI intake manafold for them Or redrill and tap the new heads to get it to work.

Here we go this is a CA car and have to meet smog B/S with the car and what I have read so far the Vortec heads don't have the stuff to work the EGR stuff how do I get around this to get the EGR to work It A CA car.

Pictures would be great.

It's going to be my evrey day driver for a while I going to sell my 2006 Dodge ram to get the wife a new mini van.

This is giving me a excuse to put a new motor and trany into the vett for now.

I planning to drive the Vett for at least 2 years befor ei Buy my self anouther 4 door everyday 25 MPG+ car.
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 11:34 PM
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Marv, I think the easiest thing would be to get the EGR parts from an 87 and later TPI, including the passenger side exhaust manifold and TPI manifold base. All of those parts are specific to the aluminum head engines which also do not have a crossover.

Another thing to remember is that the stock TPI intake is marginal already for a 305, and undersized for a 350. If you go to a 383, you should seriously think about a better intake. Of course, you could always change that later and it's not that tough to do - but if you need a base with the Vortech bolt pattern I would think it's easier to do it now. If you want to change runners later, then it's no big deal.

Just some thoughts - hope that doesn't make it more difficult for you to choose.

ninja edit - are you looking at the GM HT383 then, or a different engine?

Last edited by mcm95403; Jun 19, 2010 at 11:36 PM.
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 11:57 PM
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What I want to realy do and you can tell me if this a good or not.

I want to use a 383 botton end. (L98) rebuilt the one I have.
Stock heads do a valve job on them and call them good put a New Crane cam 1600 to 5500 RPM computer cam.

I have new 22 # injectors fro FIC like to use them
Magnaflow Mufflers 2 months old.

The car is not a race car it will be my daliy driver for the next couple years 30 miles each way to work and back.

I don't want a car that suck gas but I want a smouth Idel that I can sit in stop and go trafic.

More Tourqe and Horse Power Is a Big plus.

I on a buget but I will not cut corneres I don't wan't a car that leaves me standing on the side of the road wishing I spent the extra money and now I have to pull the motor back out and start over agian.

How would you build it iit's going to be a every day car a CA smog car.

With this combo What kind of gains should I get.

Beside making the bank acount smaller.

Thanks

Last edited by Marv02; Jun 20, 2010 at 10:29 AM.
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Old Jun 19, 2010 | 11:58 PM
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I been lookling at everything I keeping a open mind.

Originally Posted by mcm95403
Marv, I think the easiest thing would be to get the EGR parts from an 87 and later TPI, including the passenger side exhaust manifold and TPI manifold base. All of those parts are specific to the aluminum head engines which also do not have a crossover.

Another thing to remember is that the stock TPI intake is marginal already for a 305, and undersized for a 350. If you go to a 383, you should seriously think about a better intake. Of course, you could always change that later and it's not that tough to do - but if you need a base with the Vortech bolt pattern I would think it's easier to do it now. If you want to change runners later, then it's no big deal.

Just some thoughts - hope that doesn't make it more difficult for you to choose.

ninja edit - are you looking at the GM HT383 then, or a different engine?
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Marv02
What I want to realy do and you can tell me if this a good or not.

I want to use a 383 botton end. (L98) rebuilt the one I have.
Stock heads do a valve job on them and call them good put a New Crane cam 1600 to 5500 RPM computer cam.

I have new 22 # injectors fro FIC like to use them
Magnaflow Mufflers 2 months old.

The car is not a race car it will be my daliy driver for the next couple years 30 miles each way to work and back.

I don't want a car that suck gas but I want a smouth Idel that I can sit in stop and go trafic.

More Tourqe and Horse Power Is a Big plus.

I on a buget but I will not cut corneres I don't wan't a car that leaves me standing on the side of the road wishing I spent the extra money and now I have to pull the motor back out and start over agian.

How would you build it iit's going to be a every day car a CA smog car.

With this combo What kind of gains should I get.

Beside making the bank acount smaller.

Thanks
To me, that sounds like a good way to go for now and you can always do a head and intake swap later to really pick up the power.
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 10:22 PM
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Marv,

The easiest thing would be just to use your exsisting parts to keep the smog ****'s here in ca. off your back. Also, in the event you decide to sell it here in ca. The ****'s make you responsible it passes smog for the new owner.

I wish we here in ca. could just say f*#k it and drop an LS1 in our vettes. Good Luck with what ever you decide.

Its only going to get worse here in Ca. for us car guys.
Mike
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Old Jun 20, 2010 | 11:25 PM
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Ok I been looking Number 1 for me is Cost factor of building a 383 after adding up the cost what it would cost to bulid one for CA BS laws.

This go's for 355 also the 383 and 355 saids you need new flex plate Harmonic Damper ect just to get comb to work.

It will be a lot more than I need to spend.

I have a family to suport about that takes money as most of you know.

So I going to rebuild the L98 to a 350 new piston rings bearing the standered rebuild use the old rods and crank.

Put a CARB legal Comp Cam Computer cam in it Vortec heads with a manifold with EGR system to get pass the smog laws still.

Like I said 300 HP I will be happy, mor would be nice but not to much.
I think I should hit my mark. and keep the whole build under $2500.00 including machining.

But I have to buddies to come over to help me put the motor back in when it time for it.

I can remove the motor my self but putting back in take more hands to get it right I could do my 1982 power wagon by my self but the truck had a lot more room under the hood to work with.

And no I not going to ask my wife to help I can see how that will work out she just end up pissing me off Whats new some things I just want her to stay away it not worth it.
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