Vortec Heads - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WB72 · 08-20-2002, 05:14 PM

Which year and type of vehicle are good candidates to transplant to a SB 350?

Are there any modifications that need to be done?

Project1970 · 08-20-2002, 05:35 PM

Vortec heads were introduced in 1996. You'll find them on any GM truck or SUV produced in 1996 or later, but before the current generation of trucks came out.

I don't think there's any mods that need to be done, aside from the fact that you need a new intake manifold to fit the heads, or machinework on the heads to fit standard intakes. One thing to note, they are 64cc heads...I've got some in the mail (my original heads are trashed, not worth the $450 of machine work they need) and it's probably going to bump my compression ratio on my original lower end to about 10.1:1 or so, it appears...should be interesting, heh. Just dumb luck that I happen to have an empty tank in it now, lol...gotta go to 92 octane from now on...

Mixup · 08-20-2002, 06:11 PM

They make a thicker head gasket for those heads. I used them on my truck. I'm at work but I'll get the name and part number when I get home if you want.

chevyman 68 C/10 · 08-20-2002, 06:19 PM

Those heads are like kicking a sleeping junk yard dog. For a daily driver that you have to depend on they are a good choice, money considered

Longhorn Man · 08-20-2002, 07:08 PM

There is no provisions for a mechanicle fuel pump on the new engines.
There is a bolt missing on the ends of the heads that may or may not be missed with your acc set up. (I can't remember which hole it is that is missing)
Then there is the dedicated intake you will need, along with special (96 and up) intake gaskets.
That should be all the draw backs of using a vortec engine.

mikep · 08-20-2002, 07:12 PM

Dont forget the special rocker arms and valve covers you'll need. Ive driven a few vortec equipped trucks and they run like that bat from hell everyone is always talking about.

Longhorn Man · 08-20-2002, 07:22 PM

I was going to mention that, but he is looking for an entire engione, and we are asuming he does not wast to run the computer and fuel injection.

Project1970 · 08-20-2002, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WB72
Which year and type of vehicle are good candidates to transplant to a SB 350?

Are there any modifications that need to be done?

I thought he just wanted to switch the heads...*shrug*

Longhorn Man · 08-20-2002, 10:03 PM

Hmmmm, I guess I look like a jack @ss.

Project1970 · 08-20-2002, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by longhornmail
Hmmmm, I guess I look like a jack @ss.

No, that would be 68SWB4X4.

Or maybe you would if you had Johnny Knoxville instead of Johnny Bravo.

chevy garage · 08-20-2002, 11:33 PM

I've seen the Vortec's in Jeg's for 250.00 ea. That is not a bad deal for a brand new head ready to bolt on. A set of double humps would cost at least 500.00. I'm wanting to try a set myself.
Jeg's actually sells them cheaper than a local Chevrolet dealer in town.

Longhorn Man · 08-20-2002, 11:43 PM

Not only are they cheaper, but in stock form they out flow anything (cast in Iron) that GM ever made in the past.

Project1970 · 08-21-2002, 04:36 AM

And they do pretty darn good compared to a lot of GM's aluminum offerings, too. They flow nearly as well as a set of LT1 heads (which, of course, don't work on a GenI block) - because the head design was taken right from the LT1. They even do better than the L98 Corvette head!

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/goodwrench/gm3504.htm is the Vortec portion of a buildup of the el cheapo GM Goodwrench 350...

**JIMs70GMC** · 08-21-2002, 06:19 AM

Luckymic34 just bolted a set of vortec heads on his 68. I believe he paid $700 for everything, complete heads,intake and gaskets. Last I talked to him he said it really woke it up, hope to do it myself next year. chevy garage, those heads in jegs is exactly what I was looking at not a bad price for an extra 30 horses.

WB72 · 08-21-2002, 10:57 AM

Yes, I would like to way the pros and cons of Vortec heads, or machining (port and polish)old heads that I already have, If I have to, I would get a new intake, I will be getting one anyway.

If I need an Intake, would Edelbroc (or any aftermarket company, for that matter) make them?

Project1970 · 08-21-2002, 12:25 PM

Edelbrock makes most of their manifolds available for Vortecs, I believe; I know there's the Performer, Performer RPM, and RPM Air-Gap. The Performer is the one that Scoggin-Dickey includes in their head kit.

I think that article over at Corvette FAQ put it best: "Generally, rebuilding a set of stock iron heads will cost in the neighborhood of $400 to $500. The problem with this is that all you have to show for five big ones is a marginal set of stock heads."

Personally, and this is just me, I'd just as soon start out with the best deal GM has going in iron-heads, rather than hope to get up there after a lot of machine work that costs nearly as much. I mean, the guys at the machine shop I went to turned down all of that labor on my original heads when I brought them in - they said those castings would never crack but that's all they've got going for them, I'd be better off putting the money into new heads.

WB72 · 08-21-2002, 01:34 PM

Will any V8 Vortec head fit on a SB?

Are there different types or casting numbers that are better than others?

terrylee · 08-21-2002, 02:12 PM

I had found a site on the internet to a GM auth place that sold Vortec heads for around $200/set. I have to see if I can find it again. This was about 2 years ago. I cannot remember, but there is big block Vortec heads too right?

Snowbound · 08-21-2002, 02:25 PM

Hey WB72, I also was interested in a set to bolt onto a 400sb. GM Canada wants something like $500 each for them! Check out ScogginDicky Parts on the web, they are the cheapest I've found. Or look into some used ones from a wrecker. There's a wrecker in Edmonton - I think it City Auto and Truck Parts that had them for about $300 /pair. It's been a while though and I find that the prices vary from day to day at the yards. Good luck!

Brian

Project1970 · 08-21-2002, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WB72
Will any V8 Vortec head fit on a SB?

Are there different types or casting numbers that are better than others?

Nope, I'm almost 100% certain that a Vortec head is a Vortec head. Tough suckers, too; my mom has a set in her '97 Suburban and that thing has yet to see an easy day in its life. Still running hard after 92,000 miles.

Blazer1970 · 08-21-2002, 03:02 PM

There are 305 versions of the Vortec heads also, so if you are shopping for used you don't wan't to end up with those. They have a smaller combustion chamber, and I am not sure what other differences may exist. The assembled L31 heads are GM part # 12558060. Casting should be 10239906 or 12558062. I have never heard any definitive answer to the question about the 454 version of the Vortec head. Most later model truck 454s used a "peanut port" type of head that is not really performance oriented, but I am not sure about the 454 Vortec motors. The assembled L31 heads started out on the market at about $200 each ($400/pair), and the best price you will find now is closer to $250 each. They have never been available for anything close to $200/pair.

terrylee · 08-21-2002, 03:12 PM

That price that i listed was for the SB's. I didn't know if there was a BB version.

Blazer1970 · 08-21-2002, 04:01 PM

The prices I listed are also for SB heads. I have never seen the BB Vortec heads for sale, but they obviously exist, since there was a "Vortec" 454 used in trucks. L31 is the RPO for the SB 350
Vortec engine.

white68chevy · 08-21-2002, 04:51 PM

I have been running a set of these heads for a little over a year. I love them they make a great street power, not to much but enough to have fun with.

superchevy · 08-21-2002, 05:20 PM

I just bought a set of used (15,000 miles) vortec's off a '98 Suburban for $300 including rockers arms.
I'll be putting them on my '93 as soon as I get my vortec intake with egr from gmpartsdirect.com
I'll post pics of the install.
SC

08-20-2002, 05:14 PM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Vortec Heads Which year and type of vehicle are good candidates to transplant to a SB 350? Are there any modifications that need to be done? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

08-20-2002, 05:35 PM	#2
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Vortec heads were introduced in 1996. You'll find them on any GM truck or SUV produced in 1996 or later, but before the current generation of trucks came out. I don't think there's any mods that need to be done, aside from the fact that you need a new intake manifold to fit the heads, or machinework on the heads to fit standard intakes. One thing to note, they are 64cc heads...I've got some in the mail (my original heads are trashed, not worth the $450 of machine work they need) and it's probably going to bump my compression ratio on my original lower end to about 10.1:1 or so, it appears...should be interesting, heh. Just dumb luck that I happen to have an empty tank in it now, lol...gotta go to 92 octane from now on... __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

08-20-2002, 06:11 PM	#3
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	They make a thicker head gasket for those heads. I used them on my truck. I'm at work but I'll get the name and part number when I get home if you want. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

08-20-2002, 06:19 PM	#4
chevyman 68 C/10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gilmer, Texas USA Posts: 313	Those heads are like kicking a sleeping junk yard dog. For a daily driver that you have to depend on they are a good choice, money considered __________________ 69 Chevy short fleet side soon to have LT1 and 4L60E pb. ps cruise and air. 68 Chevy short fleet side 400 sb 5 inch chop top pb. ps. pw. 350 auto and shaved handles 68 anniversary no engine long wheel base 400 auto FOR SALE 68 Chevy fleet side long wheel base complete parts truck.

08-20-2002, 07:12 PM	#6
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Dont forget the special rocker arms and valve covers you'll need. Ive driven a few vortec equipped trucks and they run like that bat from hell everyone is always talking about. __________________ No truck :-(

08-20-2002, 07:08 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	There is no provisions for a mechanicle fuel pump on the new engines. There is a bolt missing on the ends of the heads that may or may not be missed with your acc set up. (I can't remember which hole it is that is missing) Then there is the dedicated intake you will need, along with special (96 and up) intake gaskets. That should be all the draw backs of using a vortec engine.

08-20-2002, 07:22 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I was going to mention that, but he is looking for an entire engione, and we are asuming he does not wast to run the computer and fuel injection.

08-20-2002, 10:03 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Hmmmm, I guess I look like a jack @ss.

08-20-2002, 11:33 PM	#11
chevy garage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 239	I've seen the Vortec's in Jeg's for 250.00 ea. That is not a bad deal for a brand new head ready to bolt on. A set of double humps would cost at least 500.00. I'm wanting to try a set myself. Jeg's actually sells them cheaper than a local Chevrolet dealer in town.

08-20-2002, 11:43 PM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Not only are they cheaper, but in stock form they out flow anything (cast in Iron) that GM ever made in the past.

08-21-2002, 04:36 AM	#13
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	And they do pretty darn good compared to a lot of GM's aluminum offerings, too. They flow nearly as well as a set of LT1 heads (which, of course, don't work on a GenI block) - because the head design was taken right from the LT1. They even do better than the L98 Corvette head! http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/goodwrench/gm3504.htm is the Vortec portion of a buildup of the el cheapo GM Goodwrench 350... __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

08-21-2002, 06:19 AM	#14
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Luckymic34 just bolted a set of vortec heads on his 68. I believe he paid $700 for everything, complete heads,intake and gaskets. Last I talked to him he said it really woke it up, hope to do it myself next year. chevy garage, those heads in jegs is exactly what I was looking at not a bad price for an extra 30 horses. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

08-21-2002, 10:57 AM	#15
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Just Heads. Yes, I would like to way the pros and cons of Vortec heads, or machining (port and polish)old heads that I already have, If I have to, I would get a new intake, I will be getting one anyway. If I need an Intake, would Edelbroc (or any aftermarket company, for that matter) make them? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA Last edited by WB72; 08-21-2002 at 11:01 AM.

08-21-2002, 12:25 PM	#16
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Edelbrock makes most of their manifolds available for Vortecs, I believe; I know there's the Performer, Performer RPM, and RPM Air-Gap. The Performer is the one that Scoggin-Dickey includes in their head kit. I think that article over at Corvette FAQ put it best: "Generally, rebuilding a set of stock iron heads will cost in the neighborhood of $400 to $500. The problem with this is that all you have to show for five big ones is a marginal set of stock heads." Personally, and this is just me, I'd just as soon start out with the best deal GM has going in iron-heads, rather than hope to get up there after a lot of machine work that costs nearly as much. I mean, the guys at the machine shop I went to turned down all of that labor on my original heads when I brought them in - they said those castings would never crack but that's all they've got going for them, I'd be better off putting the money into new heads. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

08-21-2002, 01:34 PM	#17
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Will any V8 Vortec head fit on a SB? Are there different types or casting numbers that are better than others? __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA



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08-21-2002, 02:12 PM	#18
terrylee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Norfolk, Va Posts: 24	Vortec Heads I had found a site on the internet to a GM auth place that sold Vortec heads for around $200/set. I have to see if I can find it again. This was about 2 years ago. I cannot remember, but there is big block Vortec heads too right?

08-21-2002, 02:25 PM	#19
Snowbound Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Westbank, BC Posts: 403	Hey WB72, I also was interested in a set to bolt onto a 400sb. GM Canada wants something like $500 each for them! Check out ScogginDicky Parts on the web, they are the cheapest I've found. Or look into some used ones from a wrecker. There's a wrecker in Edmonton - I think it City Auto and Truck Parts that had them for about $300 /pair. It's been a while though and I find that the prices vary from day to day at the yards. Good luck! Brian __________________ 1965 Chevy Short Box Stepside, 230 - 3 speed, 4:11 gears, original paint rust free survivor. Now sporting a 383 SBC and TKO-600

08-21-2002, 03:02 PM	#21
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	There are 305 versions of the Vortec heads also, so if you are shopping for used you don't wan't to end up with those. They have a smaller combustion chamber, and I am not sure what other differences may exist. The assembled L31 heads are GM part # 12558060. Casting should be 10239906 or 12558062. I have never heard any definitive answer to the question about the 454 version of the Vortec head. Most later model truck 454s used a "peanut port" type of head that is not really performance oriented, but I am not sure about the 454 Vortec motors. The assembled L31 heads started out on the market at about $200 each ($400/pair), and the best price you will find now is closer to $250 each. They have never been available for anything close to $200/pair. __________________ Tim

08-21-2002, 03:12 PM	#22
terrylee Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Norfolk, Va Posts: 24	That price that i listed was for the SB's. I didn't know if there was a BB version. __________________ 72 Super 402BB/TH400 Baby on the way!

08-21-2002, 04:01 PM	#23
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	The prices I listed are also for SB heads. I have never seen the BB Vortec heads for sale, but they obviously exist, since there was a "Vortec" 454 used in trucks. L31 is the RPO for the SB 350 Vortec engine. __________________ Tim

08-21-2002, 04:51 PM	#24
white68chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Hurst,TX,US Posts: 301	I have been running a set of these heads for a little over a year. I love them they make a great street power, not to much but enough to have fun with. __________________ 1968 swb IM-Bufechevy56 If its to loud then your to old

08-21-2002, 05:20 PM	#25
superchevy Got big-block? Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,453	I just bought a set of used (15,000 miles) vortec's off a '98 Suburban for $300 including rockers arms. I'll be putting them on my '93 as soon as I get my vortec intake with egr from gmpartsdirect.com I'll post pics of the install. SC __________________ '68 CST SWB factory 396/T400 buddy buckets, a/c, ps, pb '72 Corvette convertible 454/4spd/ac, ps, pb '73 GMC Sierra Grande short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '77 K5 Blazer black on red, 350/T350/NP205 ps, pb, ac all original '78 GMC Sierra Classic short wide 454/T400 ps, pb, ac '72 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 38 built. '73 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 71 built. '75 GMC Sprint SP454. 1 of 25 built. SOLD! '72 GMC K25 4x4 468/4L80e/NP205 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...23#post4324423 SOLD!'55 Chevy gasser 496/4spd build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...96#post4324396

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