Kolby

What would be worth getting off a 96 Vortec 350? I have heard the 96+ have nice heads. Are they better than the stock heads on our cars?

Kolby

It is my understanding that the 96 and newer vortec models have aluminum heads which would be better than my stock heads. I am interested if anything else is worth getting.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Vortec cast iron heads are one of the best bang for $$ heads around but require special intake base to use with TPI
Do a search ; Vortec's well mentioned on this site.

Vortec block is roller cam ; 50% chance it may be 4 bolt mains so well worth having as basis for future engine build ( 383? ).
Takes all the same 1 pce seal engine parts you have in your '88 engine and you can fit any reg SBC head/ intake combo

one92rs

iTrader: (5)

96 to 2000 or 2001 vortec engines have cast iron heads. they are 4 bolt if they were in a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

Kolby

Thanks for the replies guys.

Kolby

What intake do I need to run these heads?

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-3817/

The vortec SBC 350 short block is the same as your stock L98. Pistons and cam changed, but the block itself is the same physically. It did get several upgrades and material changes over the years making it superior. The crank is cast nodular iron, just like the LS1s, PM rods, roller cam provision etc

Get the whole thing if you can

Kolby

Is that the only intake that will match up right or are there others? I actually have the engine in the back of a truck at my house right now. Its my brother in law's old engine. The water pump went out and it slung a rod through the oil pan so we had to swap them.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

If you want to run TPI it is.

There are other intakes like the HSR that come setup for Vortec heads or can get a Vortec carb intake

Kolby

I do want to stay with tpi so I will work on getting that one.

Kolby

Thanks for the information. What about the crank makes them desirable? Anything that would be an upgrade I am willing to switch out.

Kolby

I would like to take more off this engine today. What are some more things I should take off for my car guys? I still would like to know what the difference in the crank is.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

The L31 crank is stronger and more resistant to wear than the L98 crank

robg91z

iTrader: (1)

where can i find new vortec heads for my 91 z28..ill be upgrading my intake to the HSR vortec setup...and now much power would i expect with these two sets?!?!

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12558060/
On eBay
Reman from $300 / pr
New from $550 / pr

robg91z

iTrader: (1)

thanks!...how much power would i expect for changing my heads? to the vortecs?

Kolby

I am now thinking about rebuilding the vortec and doing a swap. Anyone know of some good articles about the swap?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Well the engine itself is going to fit in the car just like any other Gen I 350. Will bolt to your transmission and your engine mounts. Your serpentine systems will bolt up.

You'll just need to figure out what kind of induction setup you want to use - carb/TPI/TBI/HSR/whatever. And then that will be where all the work is. Other than the the different intake port pattern (Which since vortecs are so popular, they're very available. Each intake manufacturer has vortec intakes for whatever situation you need) it's the same as any other 350, it just has better heads. They're based on LT1 heads with some improvements. It's just a shame they're iron, I could use the weight savings.

Anyway, the fun part will just be setting up the fuel delivery system. Figure out what route you want to go there.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

Good choice
As the engine threw a rod, the crank may be damaged so you might need a new one .Good excuse to build a 383
A stroker crank is the only cost difference when doing a full rebuild on a 350
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-103523750/

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Theres a guy on the GAFBA website selling a cast 383 crank that would fit in that block for $125...

I was thinking about buying it but I dont have any immediate plans to rebuild my bottom end.

Either way, the heads are what make that motor, but you'll most likely want to trash the stock fuel injection system for those.

Kolby

Thanks for all the information!

Kolby

I would like to stay tpi with raim air induction.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

The ram air hoods are ugly, bu that's a matter of opinion so I cant argue with you there. That's assuming you wanted to actually build a functional ram air box.

Beyond that, the TPI will seriously hold back your potential. If you want to make power you're better of ditching it for something that isnt crippled in the high rpms, ESPECIALLY if you're building a 383. A 350 is already choked by TPI, and most bigger cams that make power are going to be making power well beyond the TPI's functional RPM range, you'll be leaving a lot of it on the table.

If you want to build an L98 with upgraded heads and go through all teh trouble of rebuilding an engine just to have a hot rodded engine that can barely hang with an LT1, then go for it. But I suggest if you're gonna dump that kind of money to rebuild it, go with a modern induction setup or go carb.

Kolby

Really appreciate all the responses. If I were to ditch the tpi, would a carb be the ONLY way to go?

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

No way. There are plenty of aftermarket intakes out there. I think you can make the TPI computer talk with most of them but that gets into territory Im not familiar with. I would sell the TPI setup for what you can, and put that money towards a Holley Stealth Ram or other setup. Checkout the EFI boards. The Stealth Ram and Miniram are the two most common I believe.

That route costs a bit more than a decent entry level carb setup, but it's up to you whether it's worth it. My carb, intake, and dizzy all together new would have cost me around $700-800 or so. The EFI intakes without computers are gonna be around $1k I think, but Im not positive.