Vortec Heads

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Jul 9, 2004 | 06:42 PM

SKYCOP1

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From: Albuquerque NM

Vortec Heads

Hello to all, once again I am looking for good advice. I am looking it pep up the 1979 L82, I am in the process of installing a performer intake and a Carter AFB Comp Carb, 600cfm. I hope this will help a little. In the mean time I have found a set of heads "VORTEC" L31. I know they will flow a little better than the stock I have now. I will have about 150.00 in them after the purchase. To get to my question, What is port polished?? Is it the same as ported and polished? I was thinking of getting a book about how to port them and do it myself. And maybe having them decked a little to up the compression. I have seen dynos with these heads in the 350's to 400 HP. My goal is 300 HP or so, I would like to be able to spin a tire every now and then

. The engine has 110K in it and runs well. Also I need advice on a cam that will work well with this setup. The car has an automatic and the rear gears I am unsure of. I know the intake I just purshased will not work with the Vortec heads, and will keep my eye out for one. I like to try things myself to save money.

Thanks in advance for everyones input.

Tom
79 L82 Auto

Jul 9, 2004 | 10:16 PM

MotorHead

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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.

I think Vortec heads are pretty good for a mild buildup. If you want to learn about porting get the book How to build Max Performance from Small Block Chevys on a budget there is a page or two on the L31 Vortec heads.

Jul 9, 2004 | 10:48 PM

Vetterodder

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From: Fountain Hills AZ

If they're in good shape and don't require a lot of work you'll be getting a lot of bang for your $150. You can expect to spend that much again before they're installed (gaskets, center bolt valve covers, etc.) but it'll still be cheap hp. I'm no expert on porting (and hopefully someone that is will chime in) but I think the biggest bang for the buck is some minor work within the combustion chambers. I also think that the stock Vortec's valve springs are already maxed out at L82 cam lift. Considering that your car is an auto and much more cam than the stock one would want a higher stall converter, I'd be inclined to leave the cam change until you were ready to refresh the entire bottom end (which, with 110K on it, might not be too far away). While some of the "street friendly" aftermarket cams would provide a power improvement over your stock cam, the L82 cam isn't too shabby.

Jul 9, 2004 | 11:31 PM

SKYCOP1

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From: Albuquerque NM

Thanks Guys,

Ye 75.00 a piece. I will look for the book also. So you think I should put the money into the heads instead of the new cam. Also would you pick the Vortec head over the double hump head???? Do they make some good looking center bolt valve covers??

Tom

Jul 10, 2004 | 07:44 PM

Vetterodder

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From: Fountain Hills AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKYCOP1

With your auto, a cam much more than the stock L82 would probably want a new converter (more$$). The Votec heads will need some work and new springs to use more lift than your stock cam (more $$). If the Vortecs are high mile and need rebuilding and new springs anyway then upgrading them might not be that much more. Though the Vortec's ports aren't much larger than the double hump's, the combustion chamber design is superior and makes more power. I don't think the selection of valve covers for the center bolts is as large as for the perimeter style but there's probably something you'll like. They do sell adapters to use perimeter style but they aren't cheap ($100?).

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