vortec head torque specs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hjalbert · 03-14-2003, 02:29 PM

Well i am in the process of putting on my vortec heads and was wondering what the torque pattern and amount was, also the same for the intake. i am using an edelbrock performer. Any help would be appreciated thanks HJ

**MikeB** · 03-14-2003, 06:59 PM

65 -70 lb/ft. Clean all the bolts with solvent and a brush. Use a thread-chaser or dull tap to clean the bolt holes in the block. Brush some non-hardening aviation form-a-gasket on the head bolt threads to keep water from coming up the threads. Start with the center head bolt and work your way to the ends in a circular pattern. Tighten all bolts to 30-35 on the first pass, then 65-70 on the second.

Same for the manifold bolts -- start in the center and work your way out in a circular pattern. Torque is 20-25 lb/ft, but you may not be able to get a torque wrench on all of them. Be sure to do them all several times, as tightening one will loosen the others. I really like the ARP manifold bolts that take a 3/8" 12-point wrench. Trying to get a 9/16 wrench on the stock bolt heads can be a pain.

Project1970 · 03-15-2003, 07:10 AM

As far as torque amount and pattern for the heads, it's the same as any other set of small block heads...

I forget the pattern for the intake...but I will definitely second the ARP 3/8" 12 point bolts. That's one reason to like the Vortecs right there - you've got less intake bolts to worry about and the ones you do have you can get a wrench on no problem, especially with those. They look cool too.

03-14-2003, 02:29 PM	#1
hjalbert cracker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 1,021	vortec head torque specs Well i am in the process of putting on my vortec heads and was wondering what the torque pattern and amount was, also the same for the intake. i am using an edelbrock performer. Any help would be appreciated thanks HJ __________________ FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB Harry John Albert III located in Phoenix, AZ 1972 GMC JIMMY, 1969 lwb Chevy Frame, 1999 bmw k1200 ltc 1992 Kawasaki concours 1991 bmw k75 1973 cortez motorhome

03-14-2003, 06:59 PM	#2
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,475	65 -70 lb/ft. Clean all the bolts with solvent and a brush. Use a thread-chaser or dull tap to clean the bolt holes in the block. Brush some non-hardening aviation form-a-gasket on the head bolt threads to keep water from coming up the threads. Start with the center head bolt and work your way to the ends in a circular pattern. Tighten all bolts to 30-35 on the first pass, then 65-70 on the second. Same for the manifold bolts -- start in the center and work your way out in a circular pattern. Torque is 20-25 lb/ft, but you may not be able to get a torque wrench on all of them. Be sure to do them all several times, as tightening one will loosen the others. I really like the ARP manifold bolts that take a 3/8" 12-point wrench. Trying to get a 9/16 wrench on the stock bolt heads can be a pain. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

03-15-2003, 07:10 AM	#3
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	As far as torque amount and pattern for the heads, it's the same as any other set of small block heads... I forget the pattern for the intake...but I will definitely second the ARP 3/8" 12 point bolts. That's one reason to like the Vortecs right there - you've got less intake bolts to worry about and the ones you do have you can get a wrench on no problem, especially with those. They look cool too. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

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