vortec heads

[meathead95]

is one casting better to buy then the other? why?

[70rs/ss]

There were some stories out there that the 906 castings weren't as good because they were to have had a pressed in exhaust seat that killed flow. That isn't 100% true, but they did use the 906's on heavy (1 ton) trucks so some got severe duty exhaust seats, but most 350's in 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks have the "good" 906's. The other is the 062 and they are the 100% for sure to be good flowing heads. If you buy new they are the good castings as well. There is another # out there that came off of the 305, do not get those as they have the smaller valves to fit inside the tiny 305 bore. I have found two Vortec 350 longblocks on craigslist for $150/each complete. One had a bad crank and rod, so it is my 383 and the other got a rering after machine shop OK'd the vital measurements. I'd say, try to find a whole motor, lots of guys buying GM replacement motors and GM only gives $150 for the core so most guys just want their core money back. If you score one like this then you can soak some $$$ into the heads and get screw-in studs, better springs, a little bowl work and end up with a way better head than the new stockers and probably for less than the $600 for new ones. You'll also end up with a roller cam block and one piece rear main seal, the only slight downside is that you have to run an electric fuel pump but that isn' a big deal at all. I have about $500 in mine, with screw-in studs, guideplates (so no high dollar self aligning roller rockers!) springs capable of .550 lift and a bit of bowl work, valves back-cut and a decent increase in flow. I'd put these heads up again most any aftermarket Iron head and a few of the aluminums as far as flow and over all performance ability. Good Luck.

[meathead95]

thanks for the info. there is a guy i know who has 3 vortec short blocks that still show the hone marks from the factory for 175

[mr48chev]

New assembled Vortec heads out of the box aren't that expensive
Gilbert Chevrolet (used to be Sallee Chevrolet) in Oregon is a serious GM performance parts dealer who has prices that keep other dealers honest.
http://gilbertautoparts.com/Cylinder_Heads/Vortec.cfm
You can get the part numbers and prices from their website and walk into your local dealer and haggle for the same price.

At todays prices for valve jobs I don't think you can buy a set of used heads and have them redone (to stock specs) for the same price as new ones cost.

[70rs/ss]

If it is a stock or mild build, I guess I agree, but the stock springs are only good for maybe .480 lift. If you can find a LB core for a decent price the heads are almost a wash and for $600 (cost of new bone stockers) you can get a lot of upgrades done along with valve job, guides seals, etc.

It all depends on what direction the build is going.

[hotrod 80]

Be very careful when buying used Vortec heads . There is a reason that used motor is not in use anymore . I have found the 906's are a little heavier and less prone to cracking . The replacement/new casting is 060 . Alot of these would develope intake leaks and consume anti-freeze , thus being run hot . Make sure you can return them if they don't pass a magnaflux test . I have been through 7 heads to get 3 good one . Another problem is the press in studs some times got galled when they drove them in at the factory . When you modify them for screw in studs they swell the stud boss and crack it upon removal .