Budget Vortec Head Upgrade

[pjmoreland]

I installed a set of L31 Vortec heads on my 1979 3970010 block recently, and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. This engine has some serious punch now. The block is machined .060 over, and a previous owner upgraded to flat top pistons. The block has not been decked, which is a good thing when it comes to keeping the compression ratio at a reasonable level. In case anyone else is considering doing this upgrade, here is a list of the parts I used. I tried to keep the cost down as much as I could.

Here's a little video of it in action.

https://youtu.be/dh2woxXvRXE


Parts List

10239906 Vortec heads from a 1998 C1500 $140
CL12-242-2 Comp Cams XE268H cam & hydraulic flat tappet lifter set $189
PR7825312-16 BTR pushrods, .025 longer than stock $94
12499224 GM LS1 valve spring set $80
787-16 Comp Cams spring retainers $57
555-513002 Jegs intake manifold $140 (price went up since I bought it)
3/8 temperature sender from member A1971Blazer $45
1590 Comp Cams break in oil $50
2900 Comp Cams timing chain set $35
4605 Comp Cams cam lock plate $5
1003 Felpro head gaskets $80
ES72856 Felpro head bolt sets $38
MS98000T Felpro intake manifold & valve cover gasket set $51
TCS45121 Felpro timing chain cover gasket set $10
TR5/2238 NGK spark plugs $24
82180 Permatex ultra black RTV $6
6039 Mr. Gasket kickdown cable bracket $23
Total $1167