racereddy20

Ok I know everyone asks this question. What would be the best heads to bolt on for buck. I know vortec heads will need special rockers and guide plates. The world torquer heads are supposed to be the best bang for the buck. What I've come to find out is that 350 heads kill your compression ratio due to the fact that they are usually 64cc heads. Heres my deal. I want to go to mexico and pick up some heads. I dont know what to look for though. What engine will have the best lfowing capabilities out of the factory. I dont really want to buy after market heads because I can get my heads for a huge fraction of the cost that aftermarket heads would cost. Are the vortec heads worth the added pain of getting them installed? I was under the impression that LT1 heads would swap in w/ some modifications. I guess i was wrong. So to make a long story short I want some factory heads because I can get them pretty cheap. I'm turning to my third gen brethren for some head advice. Will you guys help me narrow my search down so that once I do cross over the mexican border I can pin point exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance.

88firebird305

Are parts cheaper in mexico???
Im headded down at the end of may, ( I wonder how airport security would be with a set of heads in my bag?)

iroc22

First off the LT1 heads are what the Vortecs were based on, so for the hassle, the Vortecs will be easier. Vortecs will give you the most horsepower torque on that little 305 but the World's are definitely more streetable.

racereddy20

I'm willing to give up some of the streetablity for some more horses and torque. I read some where that putting 350 heads on a 305 would kill your compression due to the larger chambers. Is that true? Im basically doing all the swaps that will bolt onto a 350 when I decide to make the change (I'm not planning anything like that in the next 18 months). But if the vortecs will be easier to bolt on than the lt1 heads that might be the route I'll go down. What makes the lt1 head swap so difficult anyways? I'm new to chevy. I know alot more about ford than I do chevy. And yes stuff is cheaper in mexico due to the fact that people make a lot less money that we do in the states. The average police officer in Juarez Mexico makes about 300-400 bucks a month. I make double that every two weeks. I'm not saying I'm rich but they dont make a whole lot down there. I live right on the border. What would I expect to find those heads on? A truck? I might just end up buying an lt1 engine down there if the price is right.

Mark305TBI

LT1 heads are for a reverse cooled engine, where the coolant flows into the heads first. Our engines are not made that way. It would take major modification to the block/heads/both to get 'em to work together. The L31 vortecs are off of 350 trucks, not sure on the year range.

steve8586iroc

If you can find a set of aluminum L98 Corvette heads that are in good shape I would go that route.The alum L98 heads are off 87-91 Corvettes, in 92 the LT1 came out. The L98 heads are much better than the iron L98 and no comparison to the stock L03 heads. If you find a set of Vortec heads then go that route. Even with the small loss of compression they still will make a lot more power and are a good choice for a 350. Vortec headed trucks started in 96 thru 99 and are still used in vans.

Steve

racereddy20

Thanks Steve now that I know what to look for I might work out a deal with this guy I know for some vortec heads and an LT1 cam.

racereddy20

looks like were talking about a whole vortec 350 now. The guy asked me why I just didnt want the whole engine. He told me he might be able to get me a good deal on the whole engine. My question is will it just bolt right in or am I going to need some stuff besides the compter and wiring harness?

steve8586iroc

Would you be useing the complete truck fuel injection system or just the long block? If you want to use the complete system then you'll need a new fuel pump and all sensors that go with the engine as well as having the computer reflashed or programed for you applacation. If you plan to mod the engine in the future you might want to consider keeping it tbi. That way you don't have to rewire the car and programing a new prom can be done on a home pc with the right equipment for around $200.00. Less than the price of a custom chip from who knows where that dosn't work like you expected it to.

Steve

racereddy20

I think that i'd be using just the long block will the tbi manifold bolt on? Or will I have to replace the entire manifold setup? I want to keep the tbi setup. i will be doing the afpr regulator mod this weekend (maybe). Man i love living next to the border sometimes you get some cheap $**t.

Tas

Vortec heads don't need guide plates. They just need self aligning rockers like stock. LT1s need LOTS of modifications. I.E. if you don't have a friend that is a machinest and can weld aluminum FORGET ABOUT THEM! Get some Vortec heads, mill them to get compression back or don't, even if you don't they should be years better than stock.

knoxbonnie

I have wondered the same thing about going with a Vortec 350 over the LO3. I was wondering about hood clearance if I stayed with the TBI.

If you go with the Vortec heads, you will need a different intake. With that in mind, you would need to go with something like an Edelbrock or holley that are made just for the Vortec heads, which in turn means you would need an adapter plate to mount the TBI back on it. And, while you are at it, why not go ahead an replace the stock TBI with that nice unit from Holley? Will all of that still clear my hood? please keep in mind, that whole paragraph was a question...

steve8586iroc

knoxbonnie, it all depends on the manifold you choose. A performer tbi intake will be about the stock height so you would not have a clearance problem. The performer rpm intakes are where things start to get close so you don't have a lot of options. Of coarse a new cowl hood changes things.

Steve

racereddy20

what kind of rockers will i need for the head swap? I'm really just doing my homework before I jump feet first into a swap engine or head swap.