Author Topic: Reverse Flow heads?  (Read 5354 times)

Offline LTZ C20

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Reverse Flow heads?
« on: July 28, 2012, 10:05:22 PM »
I have a basically stock SB350. Has and Edelbrock carb and intake. i will be soon getting long tube headers for it. I found a set of original 94-97 Chevy SB350 reverse flow aluminum LT1 heads from a 94-97 Vette. The guy wants 300 for them which i think is pretty cheap and I've seen pictures, their pretty dang clean. Can someone explain to me how the reverse flow system works and would I benefit in horsepower and performance with these heads? Would I also need anything special like water tubes or flanges and does it affect my current intake. Thanks ya'll.
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Offline Jason S

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2012, 12:04:13 AM »
The coolant system on the LT1 runs in reverse as compared to the Generation 1 SBC, it is much like the later LS engines. Coolant exits the bottom of the engine and into the radiator and enters the top of the engine.

There are others that can answer this in more detail, but I believe the time and expense in modifications to the LT1 head to properly fit a Gen 1 SBC cost more than a set of Vortec heads. 

My $0.02, get some new GMPP Vortec heads and an aftermarket intake. 

1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

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Offline LTZ C20

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2012, 01:03:38 AM »
I didn't know there were modifications and apparently these Vette heads aren't much better then stock heads, performance wise.
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Offline codyC10kid

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2012, 10:59:06 AM »
I'v herd the coolant runs reverse so that the Cold water from the rad. gose thru the heads first rather then go thru the block and heat up and go to the heads...makes the heads run cooler i guse

Offline DustyRusty

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #4 on: July 30, 2012, 06:26:52 PM »
I don't really know anything about the LT1/LT4 heads but I think I would do a little more searching for information on them before I passed on the deal.  $300 for a set of aluminum heads sounds good, everything else being equal.  New Vortec heads and manifold sounds nice but  I think they are pretty pricey.  If you pass on the deal you might consider used or reman'd Vortecs.  There's a company that sells reman'd Vortecs fairly inexpensively.  I can't remember the name but I'll look in my car mags for the source if you want. 

My $.02

Rusty
1975 K-10 SWB Fleetside - 350/SM465/NP205/D44F 12-boltR, 3.73 gears.  Original owner.
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Offline LTZ C20

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2012, 09:18:47 PM »
I did do more research and building a reverse flow setup is more work the traditional flow heads. I'm going to just get a set of World Products heads. My friend has a set and they are awesome.
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Offline DustyRusty

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2012, 04:20:27 PM »
Let us know how those World Products heads perform for you.  I've also heard positive things about them.
1975 K-10 SWB Fleetside - 350/SM465/NP205/D44F 12-boltR, 3.73 gears.  Original owner.
Customized by rust.

Offline LTZ C20

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Re: Reverse Flow heads?
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2012, 10:44:07 PM »
I will. I working on getting my bike running so I can ride it and start rebuilding the trucks engine. My friend has a set of World Products and he loves them. They work great his horsepower is great too. So I'm excited to get them. Hope to have that 350 done in about 6 months or so.
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