madmachine

How do they compare? I'm building a 6in, 355, using the Performer RPM cam or the LT4 HC depending on the block I use, Performer RPM intake, and a 750CFM Holley D/P.....

My goal is to build this engine on a budget, but if I lose more than like 20-40HP with the vortecs over the Edelbrock heads, I guess I was be using the Edelbrock heads, although I don't want too.

This is for a 170MPH Fiero SBC Conversion Still not sure how I'm going to keep it on the ground, but I'll figure out something. I need power up to 6,400 RPM.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Factory-quality casting iron truck heads, or aftermarket aluminum performance heads?

Factory-quality casting iron truck heads, or aftermarket aluminum performance heads?

Factory-quality casting iron truck heads, or aftermarket aluminum performance heads?

What was the question again?

Vortecs will not meet your needs out-of-the-box. By the time you do all the work to them that they'll need to do the job, you'll be close to the Edelbrock price.

Jester

That pretty much sums it up. I'm not at all a fan of Edelbrock heads tho. Look at AFR's or Brodix, I think they cost more but perform much better.

x5finger

Flow (at .400 lift, NOT peak flow)

Edelbrock Performer RPM
Intake: 218
Exhaust: 157

Vortec
Intake: 227
Exhaust: 151

Performer RPM: 931 (SummitRacing.com)
Vortec Heads: 448 (Gmpartsdirect.com)

Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center (sdpc2000.com) will sell you a set of
vortec heads with the valve spring machining and new valve
springs for cams above .500 lift for and extra 70 bucks or so.
(dont think this is listed in their web page)

Jester

I had no idea the RPMs were that crappy. I knew the Performers were..but had thought the RPMs were at least average. An aftermarket aluminum head that gets outdone by stock GM iron.....only from our friends at Edelcrock.

Apeiron

The only difference between the Performers and the RPMs is the exhaust crossover, remember. Both flow the same.

JPrevost

You think that's bad, check out the GM fastburns vs the vortec heads. At low lift and smaller cams the vortecs make more power than the same cam with the fastburns. It's all about design, vortec heads best GM iron heads ever for the street sub 450hp engine. That's about the peak potential for those heads n/a. The fastburns, edelbrocks, and aftermarket have gobs more of potential. From my point of view: Daily driver with a small budget, vortec heads will make you VERY happy. Your second car or only "fun" car, go aftermarket and shoot for at least 1hp per cube or the vortecs are a better buy! There are acceptions but this seems to be what I've noticed from other members.
Once I get the hot cam swap I'm stopping. The thin castings, small valves, and cast pistons on my motor stop me from trying for any more (on my daily driver).
If you can afford it, get the AFRs over the RPMs, AFR makes a killer product line for a smidge more than the RPM heads.
Can you even compare the vortec heads against anything aftermarket? Would you install AFR heads on an Lo5/L98 with a mild 210/220 less than .450 lift 350? I wouldn't. I'd use vortec heads, AFRs if I had plans to get a second car and install a big cam. It's kind of the whole potential vs performance vs cost 3 way ratio...vortecs reach potential very fast but the performance is always great vs the cost. aftermarket never really run out of potential, the performance vs cost doesn't start to make it worth the extra dough unless you've got a nice cam or plan on goind bigger in the near future.

dropkeel

You might want to think about the Edelbrock Etech 200's over AFR 190's 300 dollar price difference

int/exh
> 100 67/57
> 200 122/110
> 300 175/153
> 400 223/182
> 500 252/196
> 600 259/204
> 700 265/207
>

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

damn, who the heck is running .700 lift for the edelcock heads? i had seen them advertised in jegs, but don't know much about them. I still say for a budget/mild street engine, vortec is the way to go. if i didnt already have a set of ported/polished big valve 461 heads, i would run the vortec heads on my 400(note the latest hot rod with the GM 383 build up, insane power) lil j

P.S. This has no bearing on anything, but my buddy who is building some crazy 351 engine for his stang, took his trick flow heads to total airflow enginering(i hope i got that right)in bowling green kentucky. they flow 307/256 @.550. these heads are insane and look amazing(you should see the custom cam for it)he said the guys told him they wont even touch edelcock's heads because they are junk. just my .02

Kingtal0n

i use the edel's performer RPM heads. I was running .556 lift on them now the cars in pieces but after many miles like i said, i just pulled them off and was cleaning them today in fact, and everything looks great. the usuall carbon build up was there, caked on the chamber, a little brake clean and scotch bright took it off, everything looks brand new again. they clean up well and the springs after running OVER max lift .555 is max, i was @ .556 hehe they still look new and the valves are pretty again.
Just my experience with them, they might not flow as much as the $4000.00 custom heads, and they might not be as great a head, but apparently they will last a long time (important) and will look great with a little care. Im probably taking them to be ported and have 2.05 valves installed with a backcut and all the goodies. i want to flow more....
I know another person with a blower using the heads *out of the box* on his truck and he is running low 11's (4800 Lbs. of truck) YeS the engine is serious but goes to show you the heads can be used to make serious power. My car should run low 11's as well... soon my friend very soon...
Just my Xperience. One mans junk another mans treasure.

johnsjj2

five7kid-
Because I know your hechtic schedule, I will forgive your ignorance.

madmachine-
Get the Vortecs.

Havoc

I was wondering what if any difference I would notice using Trick Flow 23* head as opposed to the Performer RPM's I already have the RPM,Carb,Cam,Intake.The Trick flows use a 72 cc combustion chamber as opposed to Edelbrocks 70 cc,I could use the biggger chamber to make life a little more livible with pump gas.Because I run .0125 domed pistons,does anyone forsee any piston to valve problems with either.I plan to plastigage,but maybe some one could save me a little time.

Havoc

Come On Now no one knows about the Trick Flow heads.