Vortec 355 build, any input?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

So I starting the build for my short block 355. Just the standard speed pro flat tops and a two bolt main. Haven't got the vortec heads yet but I'm planning on a set on eBay for 400 and I'm making sure they aren't swirl ports (ugh) and a Weiand vortec intake with a holley 600 to top off the engine. All of this will flow through some 1-1/2 tube headers and 2.5 dual exhaust system

Now the part I would like some input on since the purpose of this engine is to go in my 78 stepside as a daily driver that gets some decent mileage but also a little power to boot as well. About 350 hp^ and 430torque and up

I'm looking at the comp xe262 and am thinking the xe268 would be to much for what I want.

What do you guys think?
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[mongoose]

voodoo > comp

[b454rat]

Either one would be good. I used the 268 in a TBI406 I built years ago and ran friggin' awesome, idle was wicked too. So in a smaller motor like a 355, it would have a pretty good rumble.

I was gonna builder another TBI406 using the same cam with Vortecs, and talked to a guy that did the ECM stuff, told me that my motor would be about 400-425 horse. Your motor would be an easy 350 horse. Check youtube for cam sounds, give you a idea what it would sound like....

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Not building it so much for the sound as I am drivability and mileage. I want the motor a little easier on gas than a normal v8 and I'm hoping the vortec heads will help it deliver that punch if I ever get bored

Not looking brand specific just those two examples were what I was looking at since comp cams can nitride thier cams which helps longevity with lower zinc oils. And I'm going to run some regular cheap oil an a pureolater filter.

If anything I'm build a mule for an engine if that make sense. Not exactly fast but will do work.
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[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Not building it so much for the sound as I am drivability and mileage. I want the motor a little easier on gas than a normal v8 and I'm hoping the vortec heads will help it deliver that punch if I ever get bored

Not looking brand specific just those two examples were what I was looking at since comp cams can nitride thier cams which helps longevity with lower zinc oils. And I'm going to run some regular cheap oil an a pureolater filter.

If anything I'm build a mule for an engine if that make sense. Not exactly fast but will do work.
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What's a normal V-8?

Gary

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

What's a normal V-8?

Gary

I guess any normal mild v8 that's with non vortec heads and making above 330hp and torque

I want to have my cake an eat it so I want to get everything working together on this build and to be well complemented
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[79shortbed]

Compression with vortecs and flat tops will be pretty high... I'm running dished pistons with the correct quench and I'm at 9.7!

[INSIDIOUS '86]

From what I Hear you can get away with high static compression with vortech since quench and burn rate are a lot better. Jus as long as dynamic compression is low enough at rpm I'm shooting for 9.1cr though.
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[dznucks]

Check out this article

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/eng...k/viewall.html

I used this to model my 355 vortec i built a year ago. I've got more lift and another full point of static compression, so I figure i'm at least getting the same power numbers they did.

I used the an older 2-bolt block, flat tops, Lunati 60103 cam with 1.6 full rollers. I also used the Wieand stealth manifold. My heads were decked .010" and work over to allow more lift.

For your "mule" build, an air gap style manifold will cause you alot of frustration. Off-idle stumbling and poor low end power. My compression numbers are 10.55/8.72. I have to run premium.

My motor liked alot of based timing and doesnt like more than 32 deg of max mechanical. I am running 20 deg initial, 30 deg max, with 10 deg in the vacuum advance. When I wind it past 4000, I better have plenty of room ahead of me.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

The Weiand I'm getting is a direct competitor of the edelbrock performer but is good for more power and is still a dual plane
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[ol'blu72]

Those are probably the best cam choices for your build. Or the lunati equivalents. U have the XE250 in my 350 Vortec. It does pretty well I went for all low end.
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[INSIDIOUS '86]

You guys know if the price for vortec heads on scoggin dickey is each or for a pair?
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[GASoline71]

What price are they? If it's under 400 bucks... it's probably "each".

Gary

[INSIDIOUS '86]

About that price yes. Although I can get brodix ik180s bare for a little less

These vortech don't seem to be so budget friendly as they used to be...
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[mongoose]

go look for a pair of patriots... if i didn't work for a core shop when i built my vortecs.. read free, i would spent the money on those. plus you don't need to spend stupid money on an intake.

thay're about the best band for the buck.. easy over 400 hp.. here you can get em for 750 out the door, stock they made 450 on a 350, but another friend who now has that engine is port matching them cleaning them up a bit differnt valve springs.. should be another easy 25 hp there.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Not much better price for patriots over vortecs that when bowl blended do just as good and have better torque. I have to buy an intake anyways as well , and some lt1/lt4 powdered metal rods and hardened pushrods with some roller rockers. Just executed the price of two vortecs to be less than 650....my magazines are old and this economy sucks
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[GASoline71]

I'm not a huge fan of the Vortec heads... there are so many other aftermarket heads that are better than the Vortec. The Dart Iron Eagles are a great bang for the buck.

Gary

[ozzyman]

What about these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170537744964...84.m1438.l2648

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I'm not a huge fan of the Vortec heads... there are so many other aftermarket heads that are better than the Vortec. The Dart Iron Eagles are a great bang for the buck.

Gary

I hear the iron eagles barely flow better than camel humps even and are considered good replacement.


Now does anybody know if the gmpp vortec heads from summit are as good of flow as original vortecs?
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[INSIDIOUS '86]

Originally Posted by ozzyman

What about these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170537744964...84.m1438.l2648

There are many aftermarket vortec "replacements" that are not as good as the original and are in some cases worse than a lot of factory non vortecs
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[INSIDIOUS '86]

Found something better! http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flo-Te...ml?b=s*Flo+tec

According to Chevy craft lol. Thea are the top bang for your buck heads and they are aluminum!

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...t/viewall.html
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[mongoose]

yeah... I'd still spend the 60 extra bucks on the patriots and have the 40 extra hp that those left sitting on the table.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Well with the way I'm building my engine I doubt I will see the benefit of the heads. Not to mention the are a lil out of budget for me. This engine has to stay within the 1200 dollar range for my cheap10.

I am glad to see patriot step up with thier heads though and make them better than vortecs.
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