Need opinions on which package to purchase
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 398
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From: De Pere WI
Need opinions on which package to purchase
Package 1. Will be Holey Systemax 2, which includes the intake, a set of alumnium heads, push rods head bolts cam, lifters and timimng chain assembly. A pretty complete kit, and used with headers and carb, flat top pistons should produce 425 hp.
Package 2. Would be Performer RPM Air Gap intake (polished), with GM Vortec heads, most probally the RPM cam kit.
Both kits will also get roller rockers, MSD Digital 6+ ignition and the NOS Sportsman fogger 100-300 nitrous kit.
Package 1 is about 300 bucks more but I get aluminum heads, bolts, timing chain assembly and push rods. Plus with that intake I may NOT have to purchase a new hood and paint because it may fit under the LT-1 hood. I have seen this kit but have never heard much in reviews about it, so let me know what you all think, know or have heard about.
But hurry cause I want to put it under the tree !!!
:cheers: :cool:
Package 2. Would be Performer RPM Air Gap intake (polished), with GM Vortec heads, most probally the RPM cam kit.
Both kits will also get roller rockers, MSD Digital 6+ ignition and the NOS Sportsman fogger 100-300 nitrous kit.
Package 1 is about 300 bucks more but I get aluminum heads, bolts, timing chain assembly and push rods. Plus with that intake I may NOT have to purchase a new hood and paint because it may fit under the LT-1 hood. I have seen this kit but have never heard much in reviews about it, so let me know what you all think, know or have heard about.
But hurry cause I want to put it under the tree !!!
:cheers: :cool:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: De Pere WI
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (Mr69Vett)
No opinions from anyone? This has to be a first, usually you guys jump right in with your .02 cents worth.
Has anyone ever used the intake and or heads from Holley?, that may be alittle easier.
There seems to be alot of information about the Edelbrock RPM stuff around, nothing on the Holley.
Has anyone ever used the intake and or heads from Holley?, that may be alittle easier.
There seems to be alot of information about the Edelbrock RPM stuff around, nothing on the Holley.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (Mr69Vett)
You must think there's a pretty opinionated crowd that hangs out here in the Engine forum. You're probably right.
I would suspect your lack of responses is partially due to the fact that most of the regulars here don't go with engine kits too often.
Both of those packages seem pretty complete, but your description is pretty vague. I would lean towards the Holley setup, just because the Vortech heads are pretty unimpressive, in my opinion. Do you have the flow numbers for the heads in each package?
I would suspect your lack of responses is partially due to the fact that most of the regulars here don't go with engine kits too often.
Both of those packages seem pretty complete, but your description is pretty vague. I would lean towards the Holley setup, just because the Vortech heads are pretty unimpressive, in my opinion. Do you have the flow numbers for the heads in each package?
Uneducated autodidact
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 252
From: West of the Sabine, Texas
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (Monty)
Monty,
Can you give more info on your views of the vortec heads? I have been considering them in a buildup, and my understanding was that they flow better than L98 heads do, what do you think? Thanks....
Can you give more info on your views of the vortec heads? I have been considering them in a buildup, and my understanding was that they flow better than L98 heads do, what do you think? Thanks....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (frodo84)
I'm not putting down the Vortec heads, they are probably a good bargain, and are actually very comparable to the Holley heads.
The flow numbers I have indicate they are very similar in terms of flow and intake runner size, so they should offer comparable performance. for instance at .500 lift the Vortec's flow 225/149 cfm, and the Holley's flow 228/162 cfm. Either of those heads would support a 400-440hp engine with good compression, intake, exhaust, and cam.
The L98 heads flow 199/167 cfm at .500", so you are right, they both flow better than the L98's.
I'd go with whichever one fits your budget and gives you the most value for your oney (most complete).
The flow numbers I have indicate they are very similar in terms of flow and intake runner size, so they should offer comparable performance. for instance at .500 lift the Vortec's flow 225/149 cfm, and the Holley's flow 228/162 cfm. Either of those heads would support a 400-440hp engine with good compression, intake, exhaust, and cam.
The L98 heads flow 199/167 cfm at .500", so you are right, they both flow better than the L98's.
I'd go with whichever one fits your budget and gives you the most value for your oney (most complete).
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (frodo84)
I have an opinion on the Vortechs.Much more than springs are need to get them up to pare with reliability in mind including screw in studs.cutting the guides down center bolt valve covers and springs and retainers. ect.Then you wind up with a light duty casting with thin decks and are still stuck with a 1.5 exhaust valve.The same money will buy TFS23 s' or other Iron heads that have this done to them at the factory.Hood clearance is going to be an issue for you also.If you dig up a Weiand 7525 somewhere it will clear your hood.
[Modified by mountainmotor, 4:30 PM 12/19/2001]
[Modified by mountainmotor, 4:30 PM 12/19/2001]
Uneducated autodidact
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 252
From: West of the Sabine, Texas
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (mountainmotor)
Thanks for the replies, that's just the kind of input I am looking for. I have heard that the flow numbers for vortecs are comparable, however the reliability/longevity may be in question. I am looking at a buildup to support a 383 or 396 with possibly a Holley or Edelbrock induction system on top, and am looking for advice about heads in general and compatibility of heads and induction specifically. Again, please comment further, and thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (frodo84)
It's almost cliche' to say this, but if the budget allows, the AFR 190/195's are hard to beat. I would be looking for 260+ cfm if you're going to build a stroker. My advice is to save your money elsewhere, but splurge on cylinder heads. Cylinder heads make power.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 831
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From: Reston VA
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (Mr69Vett)
I dont have any experience with the Holly package but alot with the RPM package.
Edelbrock airgap, and heads are very good products with a reasonable price. However steer clear of the RPM cam.
Lots of posts on this lately but my 2 cents and that of alot of people is that the RPM cam has way too much duration, is a very old design, is too weak on vacuum, and is not designed to run under 3000 rpms. IN other words horrible street cam.
I would highly recommend the Edelbrock Package with a Comp Cams 254 - 274 somewhere in this range should work great for you but I would give the boys at COMP cams a call. They can and will really help.
:seeya
Edelbrock airgap, and heads are very good products with a reasonable price. However steer clear of the RPM cam.
Lots of posts on this lately but my 2 cents and that of alot of people is that the RPM cam has way too much duration, is a very old design, is too weak on vacuum, and is not designed to run under 3000 rpms. IN other words horrible street cam.
I would highly recommend the Edelbrock Package with a Comp Cams 254 - 274 somewhere in this range should work great for you but I would give the boys at COMP cams a call. They can and will really help.
:seeya
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: De Pere WI
Re: Need opinions on which package to purchase (Mr69Vett)
Thanks Monty and Scuba for the input on the combinations. I am awaiting information from Holley if they know of any test that have been done with there system, also on the carb height over stock carb height. A couple of pluses for the Holley is that the intake may fit under my LT-1 hood with a filter, where as the RPM Air Gap may just fit, but would NOT be able to run with a filter, and I'm not to keen on that idea. Also the aluminum heads would be a plus as far as the weight reduction and the increse in valve sizing over the Vortecs, and as Monty stated the flow numbers are close. So I'll wait to see what they send me back, but for the extra 300 it'll probally be the Holley.
