906 VS 062 Vortec Heads

906 VS 062 vortec heads! Heres the difference and what you can do to make more HP!
See my other videos for more about porting and flow data!
*Press in Rocker stud Video*
• Screw-in Rocker studs!...

[@johnny0454]

Good idea to have the hardened seats if you're towing a lot in hilly areas, that's why they used 'em in the 3/4 ton and up trucks.

[@RMac350]

I prefer 906 over 062. I've pulled many 5.7 Vortecs for replacement. The 906 heads are typically found in 2500 & 3500 applications. It's a more robust head. 90% of the 1500 062 Vortecs I pulled that got hot would crack straight through. My experience with the 906 is I'd rarely find one cracked unless it was severely baked. I never measured but I'd guess the decks are thicker. All the SBC engines I built used 906 for this reason. Besides blending the seat I also replace the exhaust valves with a reduced diameter shank on NA builds.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

my 906 of a heavy 3/4 ton have cracks from the head bolt hole into the cooling port that goes between the combustion chambers. i think 90% of all vortec heads cracked there. it wasnt using coolant, and none was in the oil, so im gonna run em like they are. might throw a can of k&w block seal in it to make sure.

[@edpetrocelli2633]

I wish GM made these vortec heads by 1970, they`re amazing little heads, they`ll out run a ported set of camel humps in a heart beat

[@cuttersperformance]

Very true!

[@ORego-em8yf]

Thank you Piss-Cutter! I’m just starting to build a somewhat close copy of your 400 hp 355 except I have 1.540 comp height pistons, not sure if they will cut it but it’s a po’boy build!

[@JoDoDesigns2011]

Thank for that info. I have 906 in my 78 Camaro I'm around 400hp the way it's built. 😁

[@gratus0824]

Do you have the Vortec 350? 9r what year is your engine?

[@fukemallgarage]

Great video CUTTER, you have some of the best info and knowledge on the vortec line. Keep it up, I look forward to you new flow video.

[@cuttersperformance]

Thanks for the positive feedback! I really appreciate that! It awesome seeing guys are excited about this flow test!

[@whiplashmachine]

I work in machine shops and the trend I have noticed is the 062 castings are almost always cracked in the seat and cumbustion chamber. The 906's with hard seats seem to pass NDT far more. I have never flowed them so I'll take your word on that aspect. But due to how many cracked 062 castings I have tossed out, I recomend my customers that insist on a Vortec casting for their build to go with the 906.

[@cuttersperformance]

You probably see more heads than i do on a daily basis but I've found that more vortecs crack in the deck surface than they do in the seats for me. Alot of the other stock small block heads (older) I find they are often cracked in the seats Cheers! And thanks for the input!

[@whiplashmachine]

@@cuttersperformance yea they crack there a lot also. Just a thin casting altogether on these. The 191, 193 tbi heads do the same thing. Then there's the legendary 624's that I think were manufactured with cracks already in them lol.

[@cuttersperformance]

Haha well I don't thinks there's anything actually good about the 624's so the fact that they are all cracked is probably a good thing 🤣

[@whiplashmachine]

@@cuttersperformance 😂😂😂

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@cuttersperformance can confirm. took one of my 906 off, and it has the head bolt hole crack that goes between the combustion chamber cooling area. it wasnt leaking coolant, so im gonna run em like they are.

[@chriswells1440]

Owner of tow truck company knows of me through 30 yrs says nobody works on cars anymore. Here I'am with the same car 82 Regal tweaking it. Like I did in the 1990's.

[@ojhernandez2627]

You should make a video of flow testing the 906 and 062

[@LandonRoy-cv9rt]

Appreciate the info buddy

[@konnerkramer329]

One thing I have noticed is when they started casting the heads in Mexico they were 906 only. They never casted the 062 part numbers in Mexico. USA cast number only.

[@shredfest30]

I actually have a set of 062's cast from Mexico, without hardened seats. They are from a GM crate replacement motor.

[@garlandmoney9310]

Same answer. Just pulled the valve cover on a crate motor, 062s Hecho En Mexico.

[@konnerkramer329]

@@garlandmoney9310 well i guess i should have clariffied the OE 350s never had 062 heads cast in mexico. The reproduction heads are all made in mexico none of them are american made anymore

[@oldsrocket8456]

My 062s are casted in Canada

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@oldsrocket8456 those are the good ones. measure the lift restriction. ive heard they have up to .500+ compared to the later castings.

[@dennisgray7509]

Great info! Another very good video

[@cuttersperformance]

Thanks man! Appreciate the support

[@mikepoint4717]

Great video, I’ve come across a 350 with these head and done some reading on it . I’m looking to build a reliable 350 for my project 99 Sonoma . Cheers

[@outfitsgarage88]

Great information. Thank you for your videos.

[@Thundarr995]

I'd rather have the one with the valve seats. They last longer than the ones that don't have seats. The ones in my 97 vortec 4.3L has the ones that don't have valve seats. I' had to replace the heads at about 160k. Valves weren't sealing and it made the compression low. After I replaced the heads it felt like I gained about 40hp. I suspect that was the problem with another truck I had with the vortec. I

[@stevefranklin9920]

I've got a question, I'm wanting to run a .506" lift Elgin Stage IV hydraulic flat tappet cam in my early 350 SBC. I was going to run a set of '96ish LT1 heads on it until I found out how much a carb intake was for it so I've opted to run a set of '98 Vortec heads on it. I know I'll need a spring and keeper upgrade, but what else might I run into? I'm running factory dished pistons. I'm just wanted to build a low budget street motor. Thanks! Love your channel!

[@EvanLightner304]

Just recently found your channel. Good stuff man!

[@jamest.5001]

That T/A looks Alot like my 88 formula, with GTA areo, What about a vortec 400? TQ monster? Or worth the effort? I have aluminum heads to go on my 400, but may save them for something more spicy! I was thinking about $100 pee litre in the engine, so iron heads, I have most of the other bits, I'll need to drill steam holes either way, I'm thinking it should be built how the factory SHOULD have built it! Maybe flat tops, but likely keep the dished pistons, with 64cc heads or close, something like 450ftlb,+ and 385+HP, and keep it at it under 6k rpm, I don't know enough about vortec heads to know if they would be the choice or not, with a perf. RPM airgap, to meet these goals, the aluminum heads are a bit like the vortec heads, but with 2.02"/1.60" I think 195 or 200cc I don't think they will have the low end performance I'm looking for, I'd like about 300ftlb at 2k if possible, and peak around 4k, peak HP about 5,800rpm, I'm looking for decent HP, loads of TQ, and good MPG, if it would handle 87 octane, it would be great, but 89-93 would be OK, I don't think the aluminum heads would help prevent detonation with 87, if they would I'd sure go with them! But the vortec heads sound nice. With 406cid, just shy of 400hp should be easy, while using 87-89 octane, maybe water methanol injection? And chamber polishing with ceramic coating, will allow the compression with 87.. Un- shrouding the intake valve will probably help with the hp also, has anyone tried using block fill to add thickness to the heads? I have heard ppl using it when cutting them a ton, or angle milling, (like .060"-.080" or more) they said block fill, but may ment epoxy or something else, or it could been just talk, I could see partly filling the block, with thin walls, maybe it could help heads, when pushing them hard, there is alot of tiny passages that could be blocked, like around the spark plugs, just a bit of dreaming, I may end up using the aluminum heads, with a bit of bowl work, and port matching, maybe I'll add a turbo to make more power!

[@jeromewieland55]

My old boss built a flat top 10.8:1 400 with 906 heads and it made over 500 hp with a custom ground cam and made 488 tq. Chevy high performance magazine made 422hp with a 290hp crate engine with a vortec head swap, .30 head gasket, the .480 lift gm hot cam, Edelbrock air gap and a nice 750 Holley. Even with the stock soup bowl dished pistons you can make amazing power with no porting. The only thing you'll need to be careful on is cam selection. Even with a shelf grind I've had to retard most of them 1 to 3 degrees from what the cam card says. Having the timing on a cam off by a few degrees will hurt you especially in the low lift low rpm range and dramatically change top end power. My old engine builder never ran a track engine with anything over a 107 degree centerline. You however would want that low speed torque but I'd still personally would go past a 110 centerline. Itight be a little choppy but you'll have to decide that part of the equation. Do not go with a 112 or 114 centerline or you'll loose way too much. It's like this...if you want 450hp and 400tq...go with the smaller centerline. You want more tq go with a 114 and you'll have something like 400hp and 450tq. That's not totally 100% true but it's an idea of what happens to HP and TQ numbers when you play with the exact same cam but change the centerline it's ground on. Peak power on most race engines around 400 cubic inch and lower is usually around the 107/108 centerline. That's going to be a choppy radical idle but if you'll buy 2 cams and try them both out the smaller centerline will make you smile more lol. They've tested this on nitrous and power adders. You simply don't need a wider love separation unless you want the smoother idle basically. And in a street driven car you have to decide what you want. Hope this helps

[@Buck_Em_Garage]

I use 906’s. Just a light blend. I’m happy.

[@cuttersperformance]

Can't beat them for a steel head! Did you have the 906s with the press in seats?

[@Buck_Em_Garage]

PISS-CUTTER Performance yessir.

[@davidhill5621]

I love them but they love to crack ,its a got damn shame to

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@davidhill5621 youre thinking of 062.

[@lte008]

If you freshen them up, they are the exact same head after a valve job. You can grind the part number off and wouldn't matter.

[@cuttersperformance]

Thats exactly it You need the 3 angles on the exhauat seat

[@Texassince1836]

I cleaned up the ridge on my 906s, mine don't have the press in seat

[@johnhutchings5112]

Hi Pat, am I missing something? On my 906 heads with press in seats ….. below the 45 degree cut the seat goes straight down perpendicular to the face of the valve, so there would be no place to put another angle. ???

[@cuttersperformance]

A 60 deg cut will be added to the lower lip of the 45 deg sealing surface to narrow the seat and allow of better flow around the valve at low lift

[@michaelmincey2622]

Can you eliminate the seats?

[@tyronewashington2933]

Are the 1993 to 1996 LT-1 ports the same as Vortec????

[@cuttersperformance]

Very similar

[@tyronewashington2933]

@@cuttersperformance So.... I can make my 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS, have the same horsepower as your Vortec engine???? That would be Great

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@tyronewashington2933 yea, pretty much. just remember the lt1 has opti-spark, and needs a longer cam dowel pin.

[@arzagg55]

Dear Can I add 1.6 next to the exhaust or will the seat be affected negatively? Please let me know,

[@markthegunplumber8376]

Ok i have a question. i want to buy the Chevy crate engine from Scoggin Dickey 350/265HP $2800 it has 8-1 compression. i want to do the Engine Masters build. Pull the heads and use a dual plane manifold and replace the cam and i also want to do roller lifters and headers. they used Vortec heads which they say bumped the compression up 1. point to 9-1+ they gained 130 HP on the dyno. my question is this. It is basically the same price to use Quantico Alum heads or Vortec heads both new and complete loaded heads (pair) delivered around $670 ish. so, my question is Aluminum or Iron Vortec same CCs i'm be-twixed and between in my decission. the engine is going in a '89 Chevy C2500 truck with a 700r4 i want to take the truck on Rocky Mountain Race Week and dependability and the engine running cool is the key to finishing the race. Engine Masters Episode #24 incase you want to watch it. thx.

[@cuttersperformance]

I honestly haven't done alot with those Chinese heads other than flow them. They flow not bad but not great given the port size. On the other hand the vortec flow quite well given their port size (high volicty). Your going to be limited on how big of cam you can go with 9:1 compression or you'll make your engine doggy down low. I can tell you a 9:1 350 with untouched vortec heads and a very mild cam will make 315 hp to 335 hp all day with great torque. A tight quench and abit more compression (9.5) light porting with abit more aggressive cam will get you in the 360 to 380hp range and still have great torque I will be getting a engine on the dyno with those Chinese heads and we will see what they can do. I will be doing some light porting to them aswell

[@markthegunplumber8376]

@@cuttersperformance thx for the response.

[@nickolausvassallo744]

So the 062 flow better? Also do the 062 have a 3 angle valve goring also because I was always told the 062 were the ones that had the 3 angle valve grind also what do the 906 flow without the pressed in valve seat

[@cuttersperformance]

Intakes flow basically the same (unless ones a Mexican made head) but some 906 heads (HD trucks) have hardened 2 angle press in seats on the exhaust (instead of a 3 angle) and the exhaust will flow less

[@BDauto86]

I have a question for you. I have a good set of vortec heads that I think I might put on my ç20. I think it has a 400sbc, I have done some homework and they bolt up but the 400 has steam holes which 350 heads don't have? Will it work, or need modified? I won't do it if it's gonna create overheating, the truck always runs cool and those heads can't take heat.

[@cuttersperformance]

Good question! So the 400s have steam holes in the deck because of the simeased cylinders. Air gets trapped at the top if the deck around the cylinders and creates a hot spot. This might not be noticeable on the temp gauge but the top of your cylinders and head are not happy about it haha In my opinion I would for sure drill steam holes in any head used on a 400 sbc (especially street driven) to prevent these air pockets (using a 400 head gasket as a template) Vortec heads won't last long if you get hot spots in the deck Also make make sure you drill the coolant bypass or drill the thermostat *as seen in my vortec bypass video*

[@BDauto86]

That's what I was thinking. Being the vortec heads are not so tough this would prob make them even weaker. From what I understand that setup with a mild cam can make good power, I just want to keep it reliable. It is a daily driver/shop truck, I just want decent power but good drivability. Thanks for the response

[@johnnywrench5579]

Lay a 400 gasket on the heads and drill them out

[@brandonbell8159]

@@BDauto86 got set going on a 400 right now redone with the steam holes drilled.

[@geoffernie]

Hi there, regarding water temp! What would you consider max water temp running A vortec head. Thanks

[@cuttersperformance]

If the temp sensor is in the head Keep the maximum temp under 205 and Operating temp 180 to 190. You will often see temps slightly less if the sensor is in the intake but always recommended having it in the cylinder head.

[@geoffernie]

@@cuttersperformance oh Wright! Hope I haven't cracked my head then ! Run new cam in , got up to 220 , temp sensor in the manfold

[@cuttersperformance]

@@geoffernie it can happen sometimes after shutting off the engine too but try to avoid it and your heads will thank you haha

[@rockfordhx2768]

I just swapped over to a 350 but last summer I had a 305 in my cutlass it overheated not relizing I didn’t have a eletric fans on and the 061 heads heated to 220 cranked the motor 20 mins later drove it home yanked the heads off had them magna fluxed and I’m all good I woulda swore I cracked a head from overheating

[@oldsrocket8456]

So I’m going to run 1 062 head and 1 906 head on the same 98 zz4 roller block motor I cracked one of my 062 guide bosses am I gonna have trouble running different casting numbers but basically the same head design on the same engine any help

[@cuttersperformance]

It will be fine, they flow basically the same unless you have the 2 angle exhaust seat and even then it wouldn't make much or any difference. But if you do have the hardened seats kn the 906 you can just have the third angle cut into them

[@oldsrocket8456]

@@cuttersperformance what’s a good cam for 500 lift no more for my 880 block any recommendations I need a bit of help choosing this out

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@oldsrocket8456 lt4 hot cam.

[@shootermcgavin2819]

Whoever did that resurface job 🤣

[@cuttersperformance]

Thats a factory surface

[@markmeister2444]

What is the average price for having a pair of 906's cut for 1,60 valves? About all the speed shops around my area have closed down so I'm gonna have to do some searching.

[@cuttersperformance]

Unfortunately that seems to be common these days, we have lost most of the good machine shops and speed shops in my area aswell. Expect to pay $25+ a seat for a performance valve job

[@markmeister2444]

@@cuttersperformance Thanks for the reply PC. I just got back from Pittsburg Pa., I bought a pair of 906's a Vortec intake and a 750 Holly for $400. As long as the heads aren't cracked I think I did ok.

[@cuttersperformance]

@@markmeister2444 yeah 100% you did great if those heads good. Nice find! 👍

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@markmeister2444 906 rarely crack. its 062s that do.

[@johnhutchings5112]

What’s your opinion about Etec-200 heads?

[@cuttersperformance]

Decent set of heads! Got a 383 stroker in my shop with a set of e-tec 200's on it

[@chriswells1440]

I have them on a 406. They seem not as fast in the quarter mile as I thought they'd be... 12.23 et with comp 294 xe cam peg legging tire. I'm looking to get 220 Promax or AFR 210 heads.

[@1996slamster]

Great video. get a tripod!

[@cuttersperformance]

Got one now haha sorry for the shaking

[@timleonard86]

So the 062 are better as is? I was told opposite

[@cuttersperformance]

Depends on what "better" you're twlking about. The 906s with the hardened seats are less prone to cracking but dont flow aswell on the exhaust as is. The 062s or reg 906s are the best flowing buy have a higher chance of being cracked. Any Mexican casting head will flow less but less chance of cracks

[@coreyeaton8278]

I’ve had 2 of my engines recently that I’ve taken apart and both of them have a 906 and a 062 on them is that bad to have 2 different heads? Don’t think it’ll make much difference

[@cuttersperformance]

You'll see that sometimes, but ive never seen a 906 with press in exhaust seats mixed with a regular 906 or 062

[@brandonbell8159]

I done this on my vortecs the other day for my 400. They have the press in seats I blended them. But it didn’t take the ridge from the press in seats all the way out should i ??

[@cuttersperformance]

Mostly just blend it, don't open it up to more than 85% of the valve diameter

[@johngray2526]

New here and planning on first add on swap I've got LR4-4.8 the heads are 862 are they good for easy 400 to 500 hp ? If so I'm planning on keeping mostly stock except cam and springs I've been wondering about press studs in these heads up grading springs on a 4.8 with 239762 miles on it & still running strong so far I have heard you can thread the studs and ran across your channel and this is cool to an old school outlaw drag racer lol

[@cuttersperformance]

This video is actually on a vortec Small block chevy head not a LS But with your LS heads you will have rocker bolts (the head is threaded) a common upgrade is to put studs in instead of bolts. You will also want to upgrade your rockers arms or put a trunion kit in the for increased lift 👍 I will have some video coming up more about LS heads

[@johngray2526]

@@cuttersperformance yea reunion kit cam uh the cam I just want it to be some chop sound not progressive but noticed and the reason why I'm doing this is to upgrade my 1500 to be able to pull a 5th wheel camper I've already picked out a lift or level kit and trying to stay within the budget speaking of that I'm on a very strict budget lol

[@johngray2526]

Trunion 😂 this spelling correction on these phones will have you saying something that you didn't lol

[@cuttersperformance]

There are some really good budget truck cams out there, with lift low enough to just use ls6 springs. Check out summit brand ls cams Race on! 🏁

[@johngray2526]

@@cuttersperformance I like the way talk brother I've started the list transmission is the first it's an 4l60e gonna yank it out change fluid and filter inspect it shop for a stall because I'm wanting a 3 or 4 inch lift by rough country since it's a 2004 model may as well start from the bottom then work my way up but but it's my daily driver 😬 um I'm like 🤔 I'll be back

[@thabiznizz]

Didn’t the press in seats only come on heavy duty trucks, vans and suv’s to be more durable?

[@cuttersperformance]

Yeah thats correct

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

and marine

[@jamest.5001]

Has anyone modified LT heads to work on a SBC?

[@cuttersperformance]

Vortecs are basically LT1 heads without reverse cooling flow and 8 bolt intake pattern haha

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

why? vortec heads are iron lt1 heads with the cooling put back to normal.

[@oxyfee6486]

Do you have any vortecs for sale?

[@arzagg55]

Is the seat strong and can withstand adding a larger valve, or will it be affected by a larger valve? My car is a daily use, and I go out in the afternoon with the air conditioner on? Help me

[@cuttersperformance]

Ive ran a 1.6 seat for years with no issues

[@arzagg55]

Thank you for anser but Do you use the vehicle daily, our summer is very hot, will the seat be affected by the high temperature, I am a hot driver and I like performance, I would like to run with 1.6 valves?

[@arzagg55]

What is the part number of the valve you used 1.6, I want the part number of the most powerful valve that can withstand high temperature please, thank you very much for this information

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@arzagg55 the 906 head was created for heavy duty trucks for towing. theyll take it. just dont let the coolant temp get over 200F

[@south_hunts_605]

What’s the approximate HP gained doing a vortec swap on a 350TBI and MPG some are getting after?

[@cuttersperformance]

A easy 40 hp potential over the swirl port heads Not sure how much different for fuel mileage

[@south_hunts_605]

@@cuttersperformance Okay, thanks for the response!

[@1mikewalsh]

I got a 50 hp jump! Garbage camel humps to vortecs...

[@south_hunts_605]

@@1mikewalsh Any kind of a guess on fuel mileage? I mean I’m not expecting anything huge, when she’s tuned up my Tahoe gets 14 to 15 highway at 70 mph on a good day

[@liamfarrell5334]

My c10 went from 10 to 12 mpg after I swapped my 042s for vortecs. Set of alloy rims got me to 13.8 mpg Not to bad for a th400.

[@doughedrick6751]

Do you need to clearance the pushrod holes for .500 lift?

[@cuttersperformance]

If the heads are off I would do it anyway but usually at .500 you'll be ok unless you are using 1.6 rocker arms

[@doughedrick6751]

@@cuttersperformance Thanks for the info. I am using the 1.52 rockers with a .490 lift cam. Should be .496. It looks like the heads don't flow much past .500 so no reason to go any bigger.

[@thabiznizz]

@@doughedrick6751 that sounds like what I’m running lol. Would you by any chance be using a comp xe274h cam with a comp magnum 1.52 roller tip rocker?

[@doughedrick6751]

@@thabiznizz yes

[@thabiznizz]

@@doughedrick6751 cool. I have mine in a s10. I’ve almost got it ready for the street. Haven’t had it on a dyno. The engine is a 350 around 9.8:1 compression. It should be in the 375-400 hp neighborhood.

[@lucysmith4242]

Gahh damn who cut those heads? Was their mill In tram?

[@cuttersperformance]

Hahaha believe it or not thats how pretty much all the stock ones look. Those heads came right off a 350 vortec

[@lucysmith4242]

@@cuttersperformance Sounds about GM haha. Thank you for the video

[@kevinwest3689]

I thought vortec heads were just for Amish people.

[@cuttersperformance]

😅