Vortec Head - Best Casting #'s????? ???

[scpscpscp]

I am going to update my stock GM crate 350 w/carb) and the local machine shop has a couple different set of Vortec heads that have been magnafluxed and rebuilt.   People did not have money to pick up and they have been setting there over the 90 days and they want to get rid of them.  I wanted to know which casting numbers I should be looking for and which ones I have be AVOIDING!  It seems to me that I have read certain years are better than others.  I think I can pick these up for 250-300.  Thanks, Steve.

[lowriderbowtie]

when i was building my s10/355ci project, i belevie I was looking for the 906 castings.  been a few years so im not sure of the bad ones.  but im pretty sure it was the 906's that were the gooders

[scpscpscp]

Thanks for the info.  Steve.

[82Shortbed]

I have seen 062s and 906s, I heard that the 906s have a little weaker exhaust flow than the 062s.

[eventhorizon66]

I read somewhere (either in a Car Craft or a Chevy High Performance issue) that some but not all 906 castings came with a different exhaust seat that impeded flow.  All 062's had the same higher flowing exhaust seat.  Not 100% on this; I'll have to try and find that article for you.

[eventhorizon66]

Well here's a CHP article that says to avoid all 906 castings.  But I'm sure I read that not all 906 castings are bad, just the ones that came on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.  If so, I've no idea how you would tell the good 906 castings from the bad ones.  Maybe that's why they say to avoid them altogether.

[82Shortbed]

I remember now when I ordered my vortecs from LKQ, that i specifically said I wanted 062s, and thats what they sent me off a '96 Silverado.  Got the pair for $275

[scpscpscp]

Thanks for all of the info.  I have not heard of LKQ? 

[VileZambonie]

LKQ = Like Kind Quality. It means junk yard parts but people didn't like the idea of insurance companies authorizing junkyard repairs so they came up with a fancy name

[82Shortbed]

Just like Vile said, Most of their stuff is reasonably priced, we've got a complete TBI 350 chevy for a guy for $550, it had everything but the front end accessories, had the throttle body, and all the sensors.  Some of their other stuff is mega high, but since I work for the part store, I can pay just 2% markup over cost

[scpscpscp]

Vile, thanks for the confirmation.  As usual, I learned something(s) gain today!

[scpscpscp]

Anyone have any experience with "Patriot Vortec Heads?  See below:

Patriot Performance has taken the “Vortec” head one step further. We have designed these iron heads to work well on 350-383 applications. These have been very popular with street/strip customers and our round track customers love them! Unique features of these heads are screw in studs, large spring pockets, both vortec and carburetored intakes, center bolt or perimeter bolt valve covers, and improved intake and exhaust runners.

Technical Specs:

Combustion Chamber: 64cc
Intake Runner: 185cc
Exhaust Runner: 60cc
Intake Valve: 2.02"
Exhaust Valve: 1.60"
Valve Job: 5-angle
Material: Iron

I saw them on Ebay but have never heard of them.  I liked the idea on the flexibility of the intake and valve covers but just a little skeptical.

Thanks, Steve.

[Captkaos]

Patriot heads are probably most popular with the LS guys.  They are out of Alabama.  This is their site:http://www.patriot-performance.com/