vortech heads

[tommym]

hey guys I have a guestion what is the difference between 350 vortech heads and standard 350 heads

[Pro Performance]

The vortec have a different bowl design, and use 64CC combustion chambers, which is smaller than most factory chevy heads. That will increase your compression. I used these heads on my square body years ago. They are are good heads for the price.

Be aware, that they require a new manifold, as they use 8 bolts to hold down the intake that go straight down in to the head. And also will need centerbolt valve covers. Some guys will re-drill the heads to accept the traditional style intakes, but even when that is done, the ports don't line up exactly.

I had them on a Goodwrench 350, using a quadrajet, Edelbrock cam (CA smog legal) and headers. It made around 400HP, nothing crazy, but good on the budget.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by tommym

hey guys I have a guestion what is the difference between 350 vortech heads and standard 350 heads

Probably about 100hp

[tommym]

thanks guys so just by useing vortech heads you can pick up a good amount of horsepower

[harleyhouser]

Be carefull with the amount of lift your cam has. Stock vortec heads have limitations. You have to have them modified to accept higher lift cams. You should post on the engine forum and those guys can give you the specific lift numbers.

[hugger6933]

Yes the Vortec heads will give you a good increase in horsepower and a modest torque gain as well. I had one in a s1- that ran real good. It is sitting in the corner now waiting for the right truck to come along.

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by harleyhouser

Be carefull with the amount of lift your cam has. Stock vortec heads have limitations. You have to have them modified to accept higher lift cams. You should post on the engine forum and those guys can give you the specific lift numbers.

Yep, they have a max lift of .487 which isn't much. You can find aftermarkets or have stock ones worked to accept more lift. Mine are capable of .550 max lift. I'm running just over 400 hp with cam specs: .520/.500 Lift 245/245 duration @ .050

[Pro Performance]

I thought Scoggin-Dickey sold the vortec heads already modified with guide plates and new valve springs to accept higher lift cams..... but I couldn't find them. Maybe I have the place wrong and someone else can remember or has seen it.

[67c10rustbuket]

Originally Posted by Street3285

I thought Scoggin-Dickey sold the vortec heads already modified with guide plates and new valve springs to accept higher lift cams..... but I couldn't find them. Maybe I have the place wrong and someone else can remember or has seen it.

I read that too in car craft I think, That Scoggin-Dickey had them modified for higher lift cams. Good heads either way but much better with more lift capability.


**** BEWARE of trolls selling efi/tbi heads claiming they are "vortec" heads, learn the right casting numbers and visual differences if you are looking for used heads. Some people think any center bolt head is a vortec and they are not, only 1996-98 c/k trucks and later in some suvs through 2000 and vans ?year?

[AusTx68]

Here's some good information about Vortec heads and how to identify the casting marks. http://www.chevymania.com/tech/vortec.htm

Summit Racing sells the heads for $278 each. They have a max lift of .520
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-151124/

[tommym]

thanks guys yall have been real helpful

[Gus350]

I think thats 278 per head not for the pair.