Head question, best factory heads

[travisr1988]

Ok, so we ran into an issue with my 74cc 882 heads (milled), moisture got in and they may be cracked. My brother found a source to get rebuilt heads for around $400, now he says I can get 882s again or I can use newer TBI heads since we're throwing on the TBI setup anyways, I have TBI heads but they are 58cc 305 heads. So if all heads he can order through this source are $400 and I can choose between TBI heads or 882s or even other late model heads that use either an edelbrock 2101 intake or factory TBI intake from 1991 which heads should I get?
Truck is a '77 short bed step side 1/2 ton street truck, 355cid with a lunati voodoo 10120701 cam (256/262 adv. dur. 213/217 @ 050 .454/.468 lift, 1000-5500rpm).

[Engineer]

Vortec heads from a 1996+ truck. GM Performance Parts has these in the catalog.

I also know the aftermarket sells an intake manifold that uses the TBI on the Vortec heads.

I have considered building a SB 383 for my 1994 K2500 that uses TBI and Vortec heads.


If you are not interested in using the Vortec heads then I recommend the TBI heads that you have. You can probably save some coin by using a factory intake to mate it all up.

[VileZambonie]

If you go with Vortec heads you can put a tbi adapter on the intake.

[travisr1988]

I have a factory TBI intake, throttle body, wiring, ecm, just need heads. Heads I have are from a 305 and put compression ratio too high for regular unleaded. I would love vortec heads but don't have the coin for another intake manifold. So, the question is which heads do I order, '87-'94 350 TBI heads or 882/similar casting heads?

[VileZambonie]

Honestly, they're both garbage heads. They offer no real advantages to the combustion process, do not increase performance, do not increase fuel economy etc. So it sounds like you are going for a stock setup therefore go with stock heads.

[dsgb610]

Honestly, they're both garbage heads. They offer no real advantages to the combustion process, do not increase performance, do not increase fuel economy etc. So it sounds like you are going for a stock setup therefore go with stock heads.

Vortec heads garbage?

[VileZambonie]

'87-'94 350 TBI heads or 882/similar casting heads?

[travisr1988]

Well, we are looking at stock heads simply because we need reliability, low cost, and we're limiting the motor to 5000rpm anyways for reliability. Is there a newer casting head other than vortec that does not require a different intake that would work better?

To put my ordeal into perspective...I don't make much money, I just had a baby 3/15/14, my fiancé is on maternity leave...so unless I can find better heads for $400 I'm limited to stock heads.

[VileZambonie]

Call Jesse http://www.doverusa.com/products.php

[BADAZ chevy guy]

This guy has 2 videos that explain the best and worst about chevy heads. This one he talks about vortec heads. Best way to go IMHO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7UNH0QkxEY&list=UU8XUoWoA03a4-YKEMtUqUbQ

[travisr1988]

Guys, I know that vortec heads are the best factory heads, but they don't meet my requirements. Neither of the intakes I have will work with vortecs and I cannot afford to buy another intake. I really appreciate the input but again vortec head are out of the question. Heads must be compatible with either a standard small block Chevy Edelbrock 2101 intake or a factory tbi intake from 1991.

[BADAZ chevy guy]

A good low end tork head would be the 3998991 casting. It's a truck head with small runners and 76cc chambers, but it's a decent head. a 3987041 head is about the same as the old "Camel Hump" heads of the late 50' to late 60"s 64cc chambers, large runners, develops good mid to high end tork and has the accessory bolt hols on the end of the head. Most have the 1.94/1.50 valves but can be opened up to the 2.02/1.65 valves. Strong casting.

[travisr1988]

If I can get vortecs for less than $500, I found a carb intake for vortec for $150 and I could use a tbi adapter and make a lot more power and torque...the problem is finding ready to run vortec heads for less than $500. Hmmm, maybe I'll just have to push it back further and hold out for vortecs after all.

[BADAZ chevy guy]

I've heard of guys getting them out of wrecking yards for $50 - $100 ea. Now that the 96-99 trucks are getting older, you'll probably be seeing more of them in the wrecking yards. Just need to be vigilant. Happy hunting.

[VileZambonie]

Call Jesse at the number from the link I posted above, tell him what you're looking for and he'll give you a price. I've had great luck with them over the years. Let him know your budget