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

1985 Corvette motor question (heads)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 06:41 PM
  #1  
JTSK's Avatar
JTSK
Thread Starter
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Default 1985 Corvette motor question (heads)

On my 85 I had developed an intake leak, so I took it apart and found that the motor isn't original to 85, it's a roller block with roller lifters, but with the stock 85 heads. After taking a closer look I had 3 valves that were about to lose their keepers, and so I yanked the heads and took them to a machine shop. I get a call that the heads are basically shot and not worth the money to being back in shape, so..... I began looking for heads, Summit, Jegs, etc. I'm not building a race motor, just want a good dependable daily driver. I began noticing that all the heads state will not work with factory roller cam or either will not work with TPI. Has anyone had an issue like this? What are some recommendations? I'm wondering why they wouldn't be compatible with TPI? Is it because they don't have an EGR passage?? Any help is appreciated. I am perfectly OK with cast iron heads too.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 07:21 PM
  #2  
84 4+3's Avatar
84 4+3
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,943
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Default

Some tpi intakes have a different bolt angle toward the middle. Straighter down if you will. That is the difference.

624 heads are pretty junky. The summit iron heads, 165cc runner, are decent. They are dart heads, have egr and would be a nice mild upgrade permitting intake pattern. (I don't remember if vettes were different or thirdgens.) That's my suggestion.

Last edited by 84 4+3; Jul 11, 2018 at 07:21 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 09:18 PM
  #3  
C409's Avatar
C409
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,485
Likes: 566
From: Clearwater Florida
Default

..... Look for a set of the '86-up vette aluminum heads … they can be had for as little as $300 pair … but at $600 they'd be a better deal than ANY iron heads …..
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 10:07 PM
  #4  
IBVETN2's Avatar
IBVETN2
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 338
Likes: 49
From: Quincy,Illinois
Default

Get a pair of 88 and up 113 heads. You can find them reasonably priced and will bolt right on and be better than those Summit iron heads
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 10:32 PM
  #5  
Bckmstr's Avatar
Bckmstr
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 32
From: Oronoco MN
Default

My car came with a lot of paper work , i have the engine build sheet (355 cu in.) and in mine in the cyl heads line it states: Dart Iron Eage (200 in. Runners, straight plug)...
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2018 | 11:50 PM
  #6  
84 4+3's Avatar
84 4+3
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,943
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by IBVETN2
Get a pair of 88 and up 113 heads. You can find them reasonably priced and will bolt right on and be better than those Summit iron heads
I'd be worried about comp ratio depending on the piston. If they're flats it'll be roughly 11:1... all I did was make a suggestion that would be as set it and forget it as can be.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2018 | 03:00 AM
  #7  
Hot Rod Roy's Avatar
Hot Rod Roy
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Default

Originally Posted by IBVETN2
Get a pair of 88 and up 113 heads. You can find them reasonably priced and will bolt right on and be better than those Summit iron heads
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the 113 heads have 58cc chambers, while his original 624 heads have 76cc chambers. In addition, I think the 113 heads have raised intake runners, which may not be compatible with his intake manifold, and of course, center bolt valve covers.
For an economical upgrade, the iron 993 heads would have the same CR, better flowing ports than the 624 heads, compatible port locations, and use the same valve covers.

Reply
Old Jul 12, 2018 | 07:08 AM
  #8  
JTSK's Avatar
JTSK
Thread Starter
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Default

when you guys say 113, 624, and 993 what exactly does that mean? I still don't understand why some heads won't work with a roller block.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 12, 2018 | 08:32 AM
  #9  
84 4+3's Avatar
84 4+3
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,943
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by JTSK
when you guys say 113, 624, and 993 what exactly does that mean? I still don't understand why some heads won't work with a roller block.
That's the last three digits of the head casting number/part number. If you type in GM 624 heads you'll see your heads 113 for the newer ones etc.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2018 | 01:59 PM
  #10  
Hot Rod Roy's Avatar
Hot Rod Roy
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Default

Here's a good video on iron SBC heads:
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2018 | 07:34 AM
  #11  
JTSK's Avatar
JTSK
Thread Starter
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 64
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
Default

Thanks for the help guys.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1985 Corvette motor question (heads)





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:45 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE