73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: stepsideguy82 on December 13, 2012, 07:20:25 pm

Title: Vortec heads
Post by: stepsideguy82 on December 13, 2012, 07:20:25 pm
Im looking to build a mild small block carb'd engine what Vortec heads should i look for as in casting numbers. im building probably just a 355 or if i decide to go crazy a 383 not sure yet but i heard Vortec heads are the way to go for the money. Still not sure on a cam, intake, or carb yet so any suggestions there will help.
Thanks
Zak
Title: Re: Vortec heads
Post by: Jason S on December 13, 2012, 08:10:12 pm
For good all around street performance, Vortec heads, dual plane intake (e.g., Edelbrock performer) and a 600-700 cfm carb (e.g., Holley w/vac secondary or Q-jet). As for the cam, it will depend upon your rear axle ratio, transmission, torque convertor and intended use.  You should be able to speak with someone at a cam manufacturer (e.g., Crane, Comp, Lunati, etc.). about what you are building and what you want to do with it.

For a reasonable price, both Jegs and Summit offer new Vortec heads that would work great for a mild small block build. New production Vortec heads can be had with larger intake runners which would better feed a 383. Again, it really depends upon what you intend to do with your pickup (daily driver, weekend drag racer, towing, etc). 

10239906 is the casting number for 96-up 5.7L Vortec L-31 with 64cc Chambers, 170cc intake and 1.94/1.5 valves. 
Title: Re: Vortec heads
Post by: bake74 on December 13, 2012, 08:10:57 pm
     There is a thread on here that discusses that very subject.  Give it some time and the engine guys will pipe up and tell you what to look for.
Title: Re: Vortec heads
Post by: stepsideguy82 on December 13, 2012, 08:55:10 pm
ya im leaning towards a weekend warrior truck something to play with. i doubt it will see much track time i just wanna get it to move good.  I have a built 700r4 full manual valve body for it, no converter yet, and has 4.10 in the rear it was a 6 cyl truck and then someone dropped a "355" in it i havent checked for myself yet how would i know if the engine is a 305, 350, 355 etc just the bore if i pull the heads or what.
Title: Re: Vortec heads
Post by: bake74 on December 14, 2012, 06:34:13 am
     More likely a 350 that has been rebuilt to a 355 spec.