Vortec Heads on a 383 stroker

[JohnnyPopper]

It looks like I am coming up on a 383.

I actually drove the Z28 it was in about 20 years ago, Scary Fast Motor!

It's been sitting since then, but while I have the opportunity to tweak it I thought about using Vortec heads.

Have any of you done this?

I know they are compatible with a small block, but don't know if they come with variable combustion chamber volume that lets me target the right combustion ratio.

Any help is appreciated!

[fitz]

What c.c. are the heads on the motor now?
Another thing to consider is the cam in that 383.
I can't quote the specs off the top of my head but I know with the vortecs once you go over a certain lift cam the heads need machine work for the upgraded valve springs.
I run a vortecs on a mild 350 in my 69 camaro. I'm very happy with them.
My limited knowledge of then has me thinking they are a great inexpensive heads for mild applications.  Once you start doing the machine work to run a high lift cam you might be in the same ballpark $$ wise as some aluminum heads.
Hopefully others will chime in.

Any details on the Z28? I'm a Camaro guy at heart.

[JohnnyPopper]

Thanks Fitz,

It was my brother in-law's, bought in the mid 80's, totally tricked it out, his wife and he were in race clubs.

He that the smoked lenses front and back, louvered rear window, Riccaro (sic) seats. Black paint, gold trim.

One day in 2000 he called me and asked if I would take it, after some chat, I said YES. Guess he was just done.

Driving it home was the first time behind the wheel and going up the grade to where I lived in the mountains I opened it up and nearly soiled my pants! I kid you not!

I wasn't really interested in restoring it, so sold it to my son for 1K. (nice dad right?) he parted it out and has had the motor on a stand since then.

His plan was to put it in the truck he and I built some 5 years earlier, '55, series two, big window Apache 3100. Still not done.

Some things kids just don't inherit... I've been though two projects since then.

So I want to use this stroker for a '80 C10 I bagged last summer, ergo the questions of heads.

I will measure the ones that are one it, and the good thing is, I still have access to my Brother in-law!!!

[Stewart G Griffin]

i can't really help you here as i know nothing about heads, besides aluminum is lighter

Don't the gm performance 383HT and 383max engines come with vortec heads?

i can scan an article i have that says corvette L98 heads or vortec heads ARE the way to go on a 383.

Being  that this is memorial day, it shouldn't take me too long.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i hope David Vizard doesn't get ticked at me for violating his copyright, but it's only one page.....

Anyways, i'm mostly referring to the paragraphs on the left: