350 Chevy Vortec Head Break down

A few facts about 5.7L Vortec heads

[@bootlegger2365]

I really appreciate your videos. I am a retired technician , and it has always pained me to see younger enthusiasts being lead astray by quasi-competent technicians who seem to think with something other than their brain. We need to harness that young energy and enthusiasm,but temper it with informed commentary from people like yourself. I hate seeing those kids waste time and money due to bad advise. Maybe your videos will help. I hope so. yours truly, Bill

[@dennislorden3142]

I just swapped out my 416's for vortex 906 on my 350 went through 3 pairs of cracked ones but finally got a good set, running .510 lift I was shocked by the power difference

[@jaycee6639]

My machinist is one of only a few that can fix them. I had cracks at the same spot that you showed but he fixed them.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

yeah I can fix them but it's cheaper to just get another head

[@arnoldwhite6319]

Great video,everything you've just showed,is my entire set up with the after market heads. Car runs 7.00 in 1/8 mile with no gas at 34 degrees timing.

[@LandonRoy-cv9rt]

I port matched my 906 heads and Edelbrock intake performer RPM intake installed an LT4 hot cam from GM Performance and blue beehive springs and only cost me a few hundred bucks and GOD DAMN did it ever make a difference on power, it went from a tire smoker to a tire destroyer and massively improved high end power on the highway, I love Vortecs, cheap, make great power easily without spending a lot of money and easy to work on

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Took my 062 Vortec Heads to the Head Doctor (Machine Shop) yesterday for a MagnaFlux and Decking....Got a good Bill of Health No cracks and everything looks great. $35.00 each head Magnaflux, $55.00 each for decking...$180.00 total...I'm happy ! Now I gotta talk myself into trying to fit these heads and new manifold into my old Cube Van thru the DogHouse !

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Nice!

[@dynodon100]

Thanks for the info, I have built small and big block Mopar for years, now retired I am starting to do Chev. also you are a big help. I am only 35 min. from Summit and 3 Hrs. from Jegs so I have a good pool to pick from.

[@zed8083]

Yes. Yes you do!! Kid in a candy store comes to mind, lol!

[@imarooster3548]

You try and tell a customer, but they won't listen. I'm faced with this weekly at our shop....good vid.

[@calvinlayport3127]

I really like his Chanel too he knows his stuff and knows how to say it where most any body can understand him

[@strobachyzoo4221]

try vortec heads properly clearance for the lift, using the beehive valve springs...With the GM ramjet 383 cam, and flat top pistons.

[@stevew270]

Any time I need some info I come to this channel and find it here, every vid is great!

Yes thank u sir it was a great video

[@skylinefever]

Jeep fans have a similar situation. The 331 4.0L head casting is crack prone. Clearwater Cylinder Head and Alabama Cylinder heads build a new heavier casting that is unlikely to crack. You can use those heads as a performance upgrade as well. The 4.2L Jeep engine gets a huge power boost by installing the 331 replacement head.

[@scottfahey2717]

Great video. I was going to buy a set of aftermarket Vortec heads from Scoggy Dickey for my 79 350 but the tech said I had to drill one hole in the passenger side heads for the water pump by pass. I know the sb 400's needs the steam holes drilled. Thanks

[@kevinmask8652]

A stock Vortec 5.7 L31 engine has a 9.4 - 1 compression from the factory. The TBI 5.7 uses the same dish pistons with the 76cc head and has around 8.5 - 1 compression.

[@Onewaymine]

depends on the gvwr the heavier trucks ran 4 bolt main 76cc heads 8.5-1... light duties ran 64-65cc 9.4 - 1 they figured the heavier trucks would be under more load so reduced compression to avoid detonation.. at least thats how chevrolet used to advertise the replacement engines.. can still find the 2 bolt www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/12681430/10002/-1?CAWELAID=230006180039292864&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15769068431&CATCI=aud-224375369591:pla-324540447960&CATARGETID=230006180040145441&cadevice=c&jegspromo=thirdparty&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3b3gBRDAARIsAL6D-N-h7KX8KA6iCf3wcZFarOCtdVGaO1yurQF_tsv6BCv0jlj1DfmtfucaAmumEALw_wcB

[@thehappytexan]

I was lucky enough to get a set of the pro topline Australian vortec heads from an engineer at comp cams in 2002. He hooked me up with, at the time, unreleased to the public beehive springs, retainers and Manley valves. In a 5200 lb truck, that engine pushed it to 13.0’s and at redline with a 1:1 trans and 3:73 gears it would hit 140 mph with the right da.

[@MrSparkums]

Awesome vid man.. I'm rebuildin my 99 LT Sport 2 dr, front susp timing, cooling sys exp plugs mounts, and maybe a new trans... About half way there, exactly what I needed to hear to see it all through! Thanks! ; )

[@MrSparkums]

And yes the main seal! ; )

[@Gunny426HemiPlymouth]

yeah i had the same problem. im a vw guy and i bout like 3 sets of dual port heads for 50 bucks! heck yeah now all i have to do is get them cut for 94s and maybe they wont need rebuilt.... nope needed rebuilt and the shop pretty much told me. dont waste your time. spend the money on new heads... your building an engine. spend the money. dont waste time hoping old parts will clean up and be good and maybe save you at most $200 bucks in the whole build. $200 dollars is a big whoop when the old part cracks and ruins the $2,000 dollar motor.

[@squirrelynations3832]

I have a 400 sbc and put vortec heads on it. My machine guy was surprised they were not cracked. Like you said thin casting. Works great if you have no real ambition of high Strain operation. Creep through the woods.great.

[@xavierjohnson2119]

vortec heads are modern tech applied to your classic chevy compatibility. when your block has been in production for 50 years, last year's heads had 10 years more advanced than last decade's heads. i think its pretty obvious that the new stuff is better than old bc its got all the old stuff to learn from

[@matttafakt]

It would be nice to see you build an LT1 with the 643 or 374 aluminum heads. Fully ported 195 to 200cc.

[@tdtalways]

I got a GMC Yukon 1997 and it has the good vortex heads its running 400hp

[@sergeantspeed5941]

tia sprague would love to know how you got 400 hp from a 260 hp motor

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

vorteC not vorteX.

[@bonnivilleblackcherry9745]

Sergeant Speed i got 475 from a 4.3 vortec which has 185 hp stock. Not getting into a long winded explanation of all the work/parts and the specs of ech mod. think about a old school 350 making 1000 hp. Its not hard when you have the money or/and the time to do the work yourself.

[@sergeantspeed5941]

@@bonnivilleblackcherry9745 he said he has 400 hp with a sbc using vortec heads. I wanted to see what he was using for parts to make 140 horsepower over stock with heads that only boost power by 30ish horsepower I know you can make decent power from a SBC, That wasn't my question.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

ok tq may be

[@stephengrant2677]

I Safety-Silv the crack, and the torque pattern has to be reversed or youll crack them. You can also use bronze wire mig on cracks like Caterpillar does. Cracked seats take a new seat. The valve cooling is wayyy better. Works.

[@2009KVFD976]

Vintageiron- thanks for the informative videos!! they are awesome and hope to see more as time allows. i have a 1968 C-10 with a goodwrench 350. i plan on adding some punch to it, nothing crazy. in your opinion, how would an RV cam, vortec heads, RPM air gap intake, edelbrock 1406, truck headers and purple hornies turned down before the diff perform? this is a learning experience and my 1st build. also, right now it has a TH400 and i believe 4.11 gears now but plan on converting to a 700R4 and 3.42 gears with the eaton truetrac... hope to hear from ya soon and thanks again!

[@donaldwarwick6780]

+Myvintageiron7512 I am doing a rebuild on a 350. I got a set of heads, 041 castings from a machine shop. They did a full valve job, hardened seats, 2.02 swirl polished intake valves new stainless 1.60 swirl polished exhaust valves new .500 Z-28 lift valve springs. I also picked up a set of Vortec 906 castings from Facebook Marketplace. I have inspected them, don't see any cracks - will have this verified. My question is this: Ever considering that the 041 castings are like new and rebuilt and the 906 heads are not - would I get more power from the Vortec heads?

[@utahcountypicazospage5412]

also that front timing cover can be bought from advance auto parts with a crank sensor plug if you want to go carburetor set up

[@mikeray1642]

Glad your back, and thanks for all the concise information its good to know stuff

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Sorry about the video Quality I know it sucks time for a new Camera

[@monster92801]

how am i able to contact you for business inquiries i have a couple of engines that need your expertise in assembly and product placement long time subcriber thanks for the videos much appreciated

[@Myvintageiron7512]

+Daniel Grimes [e-mail]

[@TPVPRO]

Get the FZ1000 4k or 1080P for under $800

[@davidprice6401]

Myvintageiron7512 like your videos appreciate your work!

[@donttrymeonyoutubebro2675]

Myvintageiron7512 so I can't put vortex heads on a 92 roadmaster

[@murrayhalbert2988]

Hey I like your vids, Being an OLD chevy guy I find you very informative. I am a multi ticketed mechanic and worked from light engines to truck and coach and heavy equipment. My field was to diagnose problems and just to keep the stuff running. Getting the most performance from my cars was just a hobby and in those days no internet. Now you can call male bovine poo on this " a crack in the head does not automatically mean junk".Cummins denied warranty on cracks from valve seat insert to the injector unless there was either compression leakage or coolant leakage. Another example, Pontiac Quad4 engines white froth around the dip stick, heads would get pulled and cracks from valve seat to spark plug hole were found. Head is condemned, they all craced there and NO coolant leak. What engineer decided to put the crankcase vent on the dip stick tube DUH. Then unscrupulous mechanics would capitalize on mechanically challenged customers with unneeded repairs. Anyways a monkeys but doesn't have a crack does it work any better?

[@ozarksfarmerhansen8782]

Would you recommend a couple of after market heads you use, I have a couple from places I never heard off. thanks great video.

[@jermainejenkins4997]

Hey I have a 96 vortex I want to put a camshaft in it with some headers what type of camshaft I should buy to get the most power out my engine

[@luvspus69]

Put in a colder thermostat 180 and replace all of the quick release coolant fittings with new ones. Do the bottle cap too. Keep water in it and it will be a good engine. Just very well known for small coolant leaks.

[@davidcollis4758]

I plan on using Trick Flow heads with an Edelbrock TBI manifold. I don't really care for the TBI but I want to keep the fuel injection. I also have a '95 Chevy Silverado with the same engine.

[@skylinefever]

If you are going to such great lengths to modify your TBI engine, you would need a new chip tuned for your engine specs. I don't know who to turn to, but there are several companies that can reprogram your TBI computer.

[@davidcollis4758]

Yeah, I don't know who to turn to either. I may have to go to a complete different Fuel Injection system like the Holley or something similar. Thanks.

[@fathead8821]

Good video. Priceless info on Vortex heads.. Saved me $$$$ Thanks..

[@naamanmagnusanthony9035]

are those heads from scoggin dickey performance ?

[@cliffwright9842]

wow a lot has changed in 5 years. I still put cheap headers and the 305/350 ....4416 heads on my work trucks to get 40-45hp gain, and better gas mileage . I've seen only one cracked head, exhaust seat only.

[@chasepyles8626]

Always enjoying your videos

[@richardjimenez7394]

Awesome thanks for the information on the LS engine and cast iron engines

[@mastertek383]

The vortec head is based on iron lt1 350 head. Nothing to do with tbi head although you would think the swirl port heads that actually create a real vortex would have carried the vortec name

[@LandonRoy-cv9rt]

SO MUCH great info from this channel

[@Ricky-manic]

I never knew vortec heads were that good I may get a set of vortec aluminum heads on rockauto because I would like to wake up my 350 tbi motor lol would it work if I kept the tbi throttle body and put on bigger injectors?

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I promise to stop bothering you after this one ...I have a set of 062 Vortec heads going on a stock 1982 Chevy 350 engine... you said get a set of OEM Head Bolts...are they Stock Head Bolts for the 1982 Chevy engine or for the 1998 062 Chevy Vortec Heads (if there is a difference) and what Head Gasket would you suggest...it's all mainly stock except the Vortec heads. I have already ordered the MS 98000 T Intake manifold Gasket you suggested for Vortec Heads ! Thanks again...You Rock Brother !

[@stormrider8861]

Thank you, just save me a whole lot of trouble. Love your vid’s the material is excellent

[@donrutter6765]

Actually, all you have to do to camel humps is grind the bump in the roof of the exhaust ports and you are already making the same power as vortecs, so still more power available by porting other areas to beat the vortecs. Vortecs are already at their limit, pretty thin if you are porting them. Then you dont have to worry about heads that will crack,, and porting them will make more than Vortecs. Thats good for 30-35 hp. right there without anything else.The hot ticket right now is buying the cheap procomps and have them ported. Then you are up around 300 cfm like the AFR, or more if you spend the money.

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

I have a `91 Silverado....tbi swirl port heads...NO BALLS at all....can you do a video on swapping out the garbage and adding the vortec goodness...I saw the Engine masters episode too..will use aftermarket heads..lit the fire in me for the swap. thx..keep up the vids!!! My engine was a rebuilt 350 5 years ago.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

It's actually pretty easy you do the same thing all you need is an intake edelbrock makes one that takes your throttle body instead of a carb other than that it's all about the same as the video you will need to have it tuned if you go with a bigger cam but any dyno tune shop can do it pretty easily

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

Thank you for the quick reply.If you get the chance watch headbytes porting channel,he is the one that claims that even Afr and other heads have horrible machine work.Again thank you for allege info.

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

For all the info not allege info,auto correct sucks.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Yea I have seen all of those videos I have had very good results with AFR and Dart I do agree with him on some of the off brand heads I've seen some really bad valve jobs one thing you can do is buy the heads bare and have a shop you trust do the valve job

[@hfGJMJpfu]

Great video, thanks for the Magnaflux tip on these Vortec heads. I have a head gasket leak and while I have the heads off I might as well have them tested!

[@skylinefever]

Wherever I worked, the rule was that if the head gaskets were being replaced, the heads got crack and leak tests every time. If the head could be rebuilt, it was rebuilt, if it couldn't be rebuilt, a new head was ordered.

[@highwaystar8310]

When you speak of the TPI engine heads are those the L98 heads?

[@jameyrupard5991]

How about the engine quest brand heads? How about the engine quest hybrid head? They have the vortec chamber but the tbi intake bolt pattern.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

yea they are ok

[@jaycee6639]

Do all factory vortecs have the tripple hump pattern. Been junkyard diving and a Lot of the the 96-2000 5.7s don't. Not confusing vortec with tbi.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

no they don't all have that

[@carworlds4563]

your videos are very informative I am considering building a 383 with vortec heads what combination would be great for cam I want to use it as a daily driver but still be in the 400 to 500 horsepower band if possible

[@thecraftsman8133]

how well do your vortec head mods work? I have 3 pairs of 062 heads that are in great shape. I do not want to go over board with the porting. I am mostly interested in smoothing out the exhaust side and getting rid of that ridge line in the throat just under the seat, approximately 3/4" under the seat. That spot in the throat has a rough unfinished ridge that seems to "choke" the exhaust a bit. Anyway, the other place I want to work is the CHAMBER! I notice the spark-plug BOSS having the sharp corners. That spark-plug boss looks like it would interfere with the flow and hot spots. What and how and why do you work the combustion chamber for the vortec??? I want to do an improvement for a 450 HP goal. what are your flow numbers after the chamber improvement and exhaust cleanup? Is just removing the spark plug boss in the vortec going to improve flow any? or even change any characteristics of performance? if so, what kind? keep up the vortec vids, the vortec is an amazing head that everyone seems too scared to venture too far into, and I want to see someone who are diehard vortec builders that figured out a good recipe for good flow in those heads.

[@greasedog5699]

Vortec pistons are 12cc, giving a 9.5:1 compression, not 8:1 or 8.5:1 as stated. Vortec heads can run .525-.550 lift with zero machine work, only a spring and retainer swap.

[@Blobby_Hill]

so i can buy a aftermarket vortec heads and bolt them to my TBI 350 with no issues?

[@mrnobody8540]

Issue is manifold

[@toddweihl1418]

what pistons did you use on the vortex I bought a new gm vortex 350 crate engine for my truck I put a bigger cam in it did not go to high on the lift do to the clearance issues installed a set of bbk headers and cold air intake it is so much more enjoyable to drive good power better gas mileage kind of a project with my son teaching him engine work and it's fun looking for more power wondering about pistons

[@NateHarrisCreations]

What's the piston and cam model numbers you changed in the up grades in that engine

[@apacheone3643]

TBI ON THE 350 came in in mid 1987 as I own a Caprice Classic with a 350 CI build 04/1987 With a Carburetor.July of 1987 they went to TBI.As far as your vortex engine yes they are a good engine but do not overheat them as they Crack the block in the lifter valley just below the head.We had to replaced them with target master engines which also were failing they would spi. main bearings in a week.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

1986 was the first year for the TBI Engine the TBI and vortec are the same block

[@apacheone3643]

@@Myvintageiron7512 As I stated before I own from brand new a Caprice with the 350 and it had a Carburetor not a TBI TBI WAS NOT PUT ONTO the Caprice until mid 2007 Yes they were a roller cam engine but had a metal timing cover not plastic that came later on.In 1985 and 86 the 305 and 350 engines were being produced in Mexico and prone to failure.I was changing these engines almost daily with target master engines which suffer bearing failures to.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

those years were the transition there were 1986 model year cars and trucks with TBI but they also used carb's on some applications I owned a 1986 Chevy P/U with 350 TBI

[@amiabledave50]

MVI, Talkin about Vortex heads. I have twin MPI Mercruiser 350 block engines stroked to 377@ 320 hp. I want to go with aluminum Vortex heads to shed weight and better flow. A marine Comp Cam also installed. BUT I would like to use the stock 2 piece intake and throttle body because of simplicity. I would also have to have the ECU's remapped. AM I LOOKINH AT THIS ALL WRONG?

[@shootermcgavin2819]

New videos! yes! Make one on the Chevy 400 please

[@nickblais4371]

Yes please do a 400sbc. I'm building one now with vortec 906 heads, steam ported, and a comp cam 268/268 at .454 /.454. I could use the advice.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

buy new al heads 906 are ok at best listen to his video all that 906 ant but 200cc bare finish ot home shop or local never buy any pre assembled @@nickblais4371

[@shootermcgavin2819]

​@@nickblais4371 Get aftermarket shorty valve seals and press them on all the way. You will get way more clearance so you can run a .480" lift cam.

[@davidcollis4758]

What are the specs on the cam ? I am building a Vortec engine for my '87 Chevy P/U. It is going to be a stroker. I watched your videos and learned a few things. I have built a couple stroker engines but it was a long time ago, '95 was the last one. I am a retired auto mechanic and now it is an expensive hobby that I enjoy very much. I work out of town a lot so I don't have much time to work on my babies. I really enjoy your videos. Thank You.

[@KalaniMusic]

Anyone else using Vortec heads with Beehive springs and CompCam retainers with .510 lift Cam? This was recommended as a solution to clearance issues.

[@frstone3]

I am very interested in putting vortec heads on my TBI 350. Ive watched all of your vids on this subject. if you see this would you please let me talk to you in more detail?

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

buy vortec heads,used from 1996 to 1998 or buy aftermarket vortec heads from summit

[@briana3467]

It's easy to detect cracks in the field before buying.

[@smallblocksadventures6008]

You were talking about aftermarket vortec heads thicker beefier better.. can you name a few brands of aftermarket better Vortec heads... so I can look them up on Summit or Jegs

[@jeffrey4547]

it takes 3500 to build the old heads up and port the out i had a set that were ported ports and valves too 204 but with that u can not over heat them or they can crack between the valves but now u can get the built cast iron heads witch is way cheaper and better

[@joe-hp4nk]

What is your opinion on the early bowtie heads casting 14011034, thanks.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Decnt heads

[@joediblasio1846]

I appreciate your engine building expertise but from my chair to yours and every one else's... Yes some heads are better than others, vortec are a great head, so arent any bowtie head as well as fuelies and humps, I've cut some 882s that flowed like Niagara and my machinist kept pesting me to buy them from me, he showed them off to a lot of people because I actually do have a good hand and eye for cutting heads... But it all comes down to $$$ you can get decent after market heads for short money but if you're in a bind, know what to hunt for and how to make it work right... But for you to dismiss all the other heads like they're garbage is wrong... I actually have some 491s that I'm putting on my 76 383 Vega notch back, only a low mount mini alternator and single groove balancer pully will be the only pulleys/belt on the engine. I'm expecting a simple 450 street able HP with a 150 shot. It will be a full roller set up with a zzz crate block, the factory internals wiped out a rod and its journal.... My 79Z might get flat tops,.465 lift crane, some 062s with a hurricane and a 750 dual feed, mechanical. Or I leave it alone and drive its boring factory numbers matching 350

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I do not completely disagree with you however I would remind you of this it is a very rare person indeed that can correctly hand port heads 99 percent of those who are building this stuff can't do it correctly and if they try they ruin the heads, the only way they can do what you are talking about is to have them ported by a pro, this creates the problem of $$$ my point is why spend $800.00 having these castings ported when you can buy aftermarket heads that flow better right out of the box in un ported condition you can probably get them for less that what you will have into the stock heads after seats/guides/valve job and porting now you have a new casting that will walk all over the ported factory castings. now if you can do the work yourself than more power to you I hand ported heads for many many years and what you are saying is true you can make em flow pretty good but I'm telling you even fully ported they still can't touch Dart/AFR/edelbrock and even some pro comp's I bought a set of Aluminum Pro comps last month that flowed 280 CFM at .650 lift paid less than $800.00 you couldn't get a fully ported factory casting to flow like this if you strapped a rocket to them

[@davidblackwell6914]

@@Myvintageiron7512 🤣🤣 at even if you strapped a rocket to them

[@rusty75ful]

Where can i order those aftermarket vortec heads? im from Canada? and is there a certain casting number im looking for?

[@Chevron.Muskoka]

Best bang for your buck up here is getting some Iron Eagles. By the time you rebuild a pair of Vortecs your only a couple hundred off of buying new Darts. Ported vortecs flow a little less than as cast iron eagles

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

summit sells vortec heads and a couple aftermarket variants,check jegs as well

[@davidmcdonald7556]

I would like to know about the 191 heads.i bought a set with 202 stainless valves and ported and polished.did I screw up or will they work with a 510 lift cam?!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

should work fine make sure the valve springs match the cam

[@davidmcdonald7556]

Myvintageiron7512 any idea what cc the 191 is

[@darwinfridgeseals741]

Hi Mate. Thanks for all the info Can you recommomend direct replacement aftermarket heads for our 305 Vortec marine motor? Heads are 906, have been quoted replacment parts will be 3 valves and 3 seats (2 Exh 1 Int) on one head, as the heat transfer in the exhaust manifold was leaking and let salt water into # 3,5 cylinders. Have been quoted around $1200 to re condition and fix both existing heads.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

skoggins and dickie or any gm performance should have stock 305 vortec heads orderable much cheaper,also check summit performance and jegs,as a side note you can also use 350 vortec heads but they must have the deck milled down to reduce the combustion chamber to a 305 size.

[@Woodman_Custom_Sawing]

The vortec 305 heads end in 059.

[@craigmac1516]

look for the #062 heads they are ground with the standard 3 angle instead of the single angle the 906 heads have better flow on the 062

[@Woodman_Custom_Sawing]

Craig mac, 062 and 906 heads are 350 vortec heads. The 059 were vortec 305 heads like he was asking about. 059 heads had a smaller combustion chamber (like 58 or 59cc IIRC).

[@platinumlawnservice]

Are the new crate vortec long blocks coming with the same castings? About to pull the trigger on one. Pretty sure I should have no problems for a long time anyways. Thanks

[@TopAnimeGuy]

So I was told that if you port the intake runners on a vortec head, it looses its "Vortec" property of swirling the air fuel charge as it goes into the cylinder. If I remember correctly, the 2016 chevy performance parts catalog said that too. Are they just telling me that so I buy the bowtie heads with the 225CC intake runners or is it possible to port a vortec head runner to say 190cc or 200cc? Thoughts?

[@CaudillPat]

I’ve been told that you can punch a hole in the vortec head to accommodate an egr so you can still use the old intake, with a lot of grinding. Can you please comment on that?

[@jberry1982]

I need to know if filling the center 2 intake bolt holes or am I gonna need a new tbi intake for Vortec heads

[@MrSanjacjewels]

I have an 85 corvette with 85,000 miles and a L98 dog. Would like to install vortec heads with a better cam. My problem is I would like to keep my TPI setup. I saw a intake from SD parts that would accomplish this but I says on their website no longer available. Any ideas? Really appreciate all the valuable info on your channel very helpful.

[@kevinhill3549]

What company do you recommend for the aftermarket heads. I know this video was made a few years back but I'm having trouble finding exactly what I need

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Dart

[@Hellashift47]

@@Myvintageiron7512 hello, been watching your videos for a while and love that your showing us younger generation the tools and knowledge that we need and not like others with misinforming info. is Dart the only brand you would buy vortec's from? of me not knowing iv always wondered about afr and eldelbrock e tech heads along with dart and others. like everyone else including you before you decided not to anymore, i was really thinking about going to the junk yard and pulling set after set to find ones not cracked but i would like to make a good investment that i know wont crack. Thankyou very much for your time -Patrick

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

I enjoy your videos. There are some other master mechanics that say that it is not a good idea to bolt on aftermarket heads right out of the box because they have improper machine work and other issues. What is your take on that?I want to buy some aftermarket heads ready to bolt on but after seeing different videos I am not sure.Again thank you for your videos.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

It depends on where the heads came from if you buy cheap aftermarket heads from overseas than I agree 100% the valve job's are atrocious, however if you buy Dart, AFR, or Trick Flow, I do not agree they have top notch machine work done by CNC machines that is hard to match with manual machine work

[@mikeceli]

Excellent videos "myvintageiron7512"! I want to build a 350 L98 to replace the 305 LB9 TPI OE engine, in my 1989 Chev IROC Z Camaro. I will retain the smog and TPI(with some mods). (I need to pass Ca. SMOG) I am considering Engine Quest CH 350-GA heads. Iron, Vortec heart shaped combustion chamber, but designed to bolt on L98's. Have you come across these? What is your opinion on them? CH350GA Chevrolet 350 5.7 1987-1995 Replaces casting number: 083, 191, 193, 217, 810, Intake runner 176CC Combustion Chamber 64CC Vortec chamber With Heat Riser / 87 95 Intake manifold bolt pattern Center bolt down valve cover holes Recommended to be replaced in pairs. ASSEMBLED Thanks.

[@paytoncoon7256]

Could I get a measurement on the bosses? I have a set of vortec heads and mine look to be already machined down but I'm not 100% positive.

[@hartjr5398]

Sweet channel man. I have 01 sierra with a 4.3 vortec. I know its a V6 and everyone says dont waste the money. but its got a cast iron block and I know it can take a beating. I dont want 800hp or anything, really my goal is to get to 425+ with as little modifications amd money as possible, not with cheap parts just trying to avoid gutting her and installing a whole new power plant which entails its own hornets nest. what kind of gains could I maybe get by doing new after market vortec heads and manifold?

[@Snailmailtrucker]

HI MVI...So at the 10:20 mark you said that I can just bolt on a set of Vortec heads (602s) right to my stock 1982 350 van engine without installing a Roller Cam or different pistons and I should get a 30/40 hp gain ? Thanks Brother... I love your videos ! I'm gonna get your suggested Manifold Gasket too ! Oh yeah.... What Head bolts and Head gaskets do I use...my Vortec heads are 602s out of a 98 pickup truck going into my stock 1982 Chevy 350 Cube Van.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

get a new set of head bolts, OEM is fine, intake gaskets are fel pro (MS 98000 T) these intake gaskets are an absolute must for this swap I think you ment 062 castings not 602 but I get it, yes you can do a direct swap with flat tappet cam asuming the flat tappet you are running is stock lift

[@Snailmailtrucker]

@@Myvintageiron7512 Thanks MVI Yes I meant 062 Vortec heads, they are being Magnafluxed and Decked as we speak ! Needed to know what Head Gaskets to use ! I Really appreciate your reply !

[@daves7865]

Great videos, thanks. Hoping you might give me your quick upgrade advice on my SBC 1993 Chevy pickup- only vehicle I've ever bought bran new and it still purrs, all stock. It's the TBI 5.7 SBC with 210 HP. I'd like to put together a heads, cam, intake, carb, header combo and get it around 400 hp, 400 torque without spending too much on it($1300-1500) range. after watching your vids, thinking vortec heads, duel plane edelbrock, Holley dbl pumper, etc?????? Thoughts? Thanks, Mid life crisis Dave.

[@randy1ization]

can u run vortec heads without changing the stock pistons on the 88 to 95 engines?

[@williamhugelmeyer2702]

Great videos! Can you drill/adapt the vortec heads to bolt on an old style intake manifold? I have an 82 corvette with the crossfire. My plan was to get the renegade intake and a nice set of heads. Possibly port out the throttle bodies also. Or do you think a performance style aluminum head would just be more cost effective?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Yea go with aftermarket aluminum heads

[@williamhugelmeyer2702]

Thanks for the advice! 👍

[@randy1ization]

what company makes a good aftermarket vortec head and manifold

[@juliuscullum6596]

I got a few questions. Do they have 202 valves and can you put any carb intake on them?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

you don't want 2.020 valves in Vortec heads the chambers are to small and they shroud the valves which kills air flow

[@rodneygalindo3093]

Thx you for taking all the time to help out the under dogs here .. ! Really dude thx u!I've been working on a 2000 Xtreme blazer two door swap . 400hp is the limit of the stock mpfi .... do I have to go 383 to get 400 hp out of that V-8 or can I do it with the stock 350 with a cam and heads ... I have the heads your are talking about in the video with z28 Springs and the bosses cut down to except 525 lift what cam will I need and or go 383 and what cam then and how much are wee talking in the end

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Wow that is allot of questions it is very difficult to answer the question (what Cam should I run?) without knowing a ton more info with the factory computer and MPFI it's nearly impossible to get 400 HP I would go 383 with dart heads and hyd roller cam

[@fixitwithbiskit]

Max Piston to Cylinder Bore Clearance allowed can you do a video for that for a 383, 350., 400 sbc

[@markh4767]

thank you for the HEADS UP I will be doing some work on my 5.3 soon I appreciate the informaition

[@worknman78]

Could you address the LS6 springs on the Vortech heads? Finding a lot of conflicting information on lift and what is required to get said lift. I've got a set of 062 heads I'm looking to put on a fresh short block to go in my 81 C30, just trying to get my ducks in a row before I end up ordering parts that won't do what I want, and honestly the "gear heads" in my town farm out all of the work I want to do so their input is taken with a grain of salt. Thanks in advance!

[@dronexfun8469]

I have a 98 chev pickup with a 5.7 vortec. I would like more power, where should I start. I was thinking intake , heads and exhaust but have no idea where to start. Thanks a million for sharing your rad vids man, the info is awesome.

[@MegaDysart]

I've got a 99 suburban with the vortec. I'm thinking lt4 hot cam, exhaust, the MPFI upgrade to get rid of those old style spider injectors, and a 411 ecu so I can tune for the new setup. Should be less than 2k hopefully

[@adamn788]

You got any advice of taking stock vortec heads and taking down the valve bumpers so you can get more lift ?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=wYtAY6QqE9Y

[@donaldwarwick6780]

+Myvintageiron7512 are the aftermarket Vortec style heads better than a set of 041 casting camel humps that have been ported, polished, and have swirl 2.02/1.60? I bought a reconditioned set of these camel humps before I found the Vortecs. I have about 800 in the camel humps. Love your channel and content!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

vortec's are better

[@donaldwarwick6780]

@@Myvintageiron7512 Like enough to buy some aftermarket ones and sell my camel hump better...or not that much of a difference to take the loss? - also thanks for getting back to me! AWESOME CHANNEL!

[@Shane-Singleton]

I was looking to do a budget build for my 79 K10 pickup. It's got the original (as far as I know) 350 in it. My machine shop has a pretty reasonable package on a rebuild of that core. But I was wondering about going to a hydraulic roller engine. I had thought about doing the L31 but there are no provisions for a mechanical fuel pump in there and I don't really want to go electric due to simplicity reasons. I was wanting to know what your thoughts were on a hydraulic roller block that will use old style or Vortec style heads and have provisions for a mechanical fuel pump. Maybe a TBI block with Vortec heads? I've seen some sources claim those blocks supported mechanical fuel pumps. I know the ZZ4 crate block would work out nicely but It's more money than I want to spend for what this build is intended for.I don't mind paying the money for the aftermarket vortec style heads. Just wonderinf if the juice is worth the squeeze or I should just go with the OE style flat tappat setup.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

just loose the fear of electric fuel pumps and go full roller vortec,more power,better mileage,proven combination

[@thethepills]

when you pointed out the exhaust seat cracks i noticed cracks in the one center hold down bolt hole. what do you think of those cracks? i have a set with cracks there, otherwise good heads. do you think that location would cause much trouble?

[@aaronpeople101]

takethepills i wouldn't use them, you could leak coolant into oil

[@jam9297]

How much do you think I would spend building a 5.7 vortec from say junkyard parts? Can they make good power for cheap?

[@jam9297]

+Tony Wilkins Hmm alright. Just wondering what a good engine would be for me to get into engine building without breaking the bank

[@littlejln213]

Do you have a video on putting these heads on a tbi 350? specifically a 1992 truck motor.

[@littlejln213]

or is there a similar head that will fit a tbi and give me the same power increase? Thanks for any advice!!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I do have several small block builds that show the head install they are all pretty much the same TBI is no different that the earlier heads as far as install goes

[@littlejln213]

Dude! thanks for answering, and quickly i might add. Subbed!

[@willyck948]

Looked and looked for vortec heads found one pair in salvage yard 74.000 miles still was filled with radiator fluid and got REALLY LUCK. I have a question for you though. I have a tbi 350 160.000 miles is probably going to need some service doesn't get great fuel milage and i was thinking about upgrading it or replacing it to get better fuel milage I'd imagine vortec heads will help but would need after market manifold. Would a larger camshaft increase fuel efficiency or decrease. And would flat top piston help fuel efficiency also. I'm very good self taught mechanic and don't mind spending extra $$$ for more efficient and longer lasting engine/parts

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I don't think they will help the mileage much

[@mrnobody8540]

Cam and gears help mpg... I'm thinking, could help if you use small Runners on intake manifold - think along the Anti-Revertion design (carb and manifold is key ) with low lift Cam. Think of old Bill Elliot mid 80's fast burn lean engineering. This just my two cents...

[@0313bouchey]

Are you finding a specific casting number that’s cracking with the vortec heads? 906 or 062. Or are they both prone to cracking?

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Both

[@craigmac1516]

look for the #062 heads the #906 heads have a single grind angle while the #062 have the standard 3 angle grind and have better flow.

[@Chuck_S]

Only the exhaust side. The flow difference is not enough to effect anything.

[@alonzahanks1182]

a sleeper 96-97 LT-1 vortec head thin casting I want you to check out 12551561 they came in the 97 Z28 Over shadowed by the LS1 they flow 12 percent better than early LT1 heads They were designed with the LT4s. nobody has cc the heads because earlier thick casting hog out more. because of the raised ceiling on intakes .where the rolling vortec comes in . higher speed flow on top than on bottom. My stock Camaro Z28 6 speed LT1 with a trick flow elbow and cai Hooker superformance factory muffler. Ive beat 2 LS1 Camaros a 2004 a 2015 corvettes both 6.2 liter Lt4s and many others. . By 1/8 mile 1en car lengths or more. If you have any info on these please tell?

[@johnmckamy6398]

I have a brother in law that has a 85 or so monte carlo and it has a 88 truck engine in it that was a tbi but he put a carburetor and a small cam , and of course it takes off ok but as soon as it gets to 4000 rpm if that it totally takes a nose dive . well I told him that he needs some better flowing heads but I could not tell him for sure if the vortec heads would bolt on that block or not. would they work without a lot of trouble? not to mention he's got a 750 holley witch I told him was probably too big.