Batass

Anyone know how these heads compare? The stock replacement heads have the same size intake ports as the vortecs, but they are a conventional intake bolt and valve cover pattern.

ME Leigh

Go with the toplines. They are already setup for performance applications, and do not need more machine work like the GM Vortec's. For example the guide are already cut down and have screwin studs....

Batass

Just to make sure were talking about the same heads, im talking about the vortec replacements and the traditional style replacements. Both by pro topline. One is vortec style, one is not. Im not talking about stock vortecs vs pro topline vortecs.

shaggy56

Im not sure but maybe someone who has bought the vortec versions can chime in. The funny thing is RHS claims this.

I always got the impression stock vortecs require the specific intake manifolds even if the bolt locations were modified. I guess this alone fixes the problem. I just wonder if the port dimensions are different than early style heads. An obvious difference is that the vortecs have the fast burn combustion chambers. I know the member sstpres has both the stock vortecs and the topline versions.

Batass

They also claim 25-40 hp over stock heads, except the vortec, so im wondering if theyre pretty close. Id love to see them and the vortec dyno'd. Ive seen pairs of the heads go on ebay for less than $300 bare.

sstpres

I've got a set of Topline Vortec heads. They flow better than Stk Vortecs out-of-the-box. They have screw-in studs, larger spring pockets, etc. So they can take a lot more lift than a Stk Vortec. Also, they appear to have more meat at the deck.
Sherman on the west coast uses them for a lot of his motors with good success.

cuisinartvette

Interesting info there, Id like to see what kind of #'s they make. Im assuming you have to use a Vortec style intake with that or no?

Ray102386

I am interested in these Top Line Heads you are speaking of, i dont beleive this is them, http://www.protopline.com/2236494906.asp, could you all give me a link to these. I am looking pretty hard for a good set of Vortecs for my "442 Spanker".

Ray102386

I am interested in these Top Line Heads you are speaking of, i dont beleive this is them, http://www.protopline.com/2236494906.asp, could you all give me a link to these. I am looking pretty hard for a good set of Vortecs for my "442 Spanker".

sstpres

You have the right PN. These are upgraded Vortec heads. Out-of-the-box these outflow Stk heads by 8-10cfm. That should be an extra 15-20HP on the right set-up.

Joe Sherman Racing uses these for his Hot Street motors. He has an article outlining a 383 build using these heads. Check out: http://www.compcams.com/Community/Ar...p?ID=626740338

383SBC, Topline heads with a little pocket porting, Comp 236/242 106lsa Hyd roller, Air Gap manifold, etc. He made >530HP @6100rpm and >500 lb-ft of Torque @4700rpm.

Batass

Those are kick *** numbers. It would be real nice to know the lift on that cam. Ive seen a motor built by super chevy mag with a xe282 cam, .510 .520 lift (not including 1.6 roller rockers) make 460 hp 500 ft/lb at around 3800 rpm! All the other parts were the same. Those heads rock, but I accidently bought regular type replacement heads vs the vortec replacements, and im wondering how they will stack up. I may just have to dyno the car and see, but that wont be for a while.

sstpres

Sherman ran 1.6 Int. and 1.5 exh RR. I believe the Lift on that cam with those Rockers is .550/.540".

Batass

Where did you get that info from?

sstpres

It's CompCams Website under Product Articles. It was in Chevy rumble magazine.

Batass

I read the article but i cant find where it says the lift, or a part number for a cam. Its crazy how much the cam can change the power. Ive seen vortec motors only make 350 hp and now one that made almost two hundred more. I can hardly believe it. It says in the article that the titanium retainers can produce an extra 40- 50hp? Whatever the cam is, im sure it doesnt suck enough vaccum for my street car. If anyone is intrested im set on this article. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/76178/
I think this is probably the largest cam I would use.

WinnipegGTA

Are you guys sure Ray has the right page. When i read it, it says Chamber Style: Non Vortex, Heart Chamber. If they are Vortec heads would they not have a Vortec Chamber or Vortex or however those Aussie's wanna misspell it?

Batass

Its the right page, but I dont know what that vortex thing is about either. I do know that the heart shape has been applied to vortec heads though.

shaggy56

The vortex thing makes no sense. But the chamber is identical to stock vortecs.

sstpres

Batass:

The cam that Sherman is using remains proprietary. However, the article suggests that it's a XE288HR ground on 106LSA. That cam has the lift #'s I listed above using 1.6/1.5RR.

Ray102386

Well as i said i am not sure if that is the correct ones or not. Anyone know where else i can get them....non ebay?

What is so specific about the vortec heads and teh manifold? Just eh bolt pattern, or is the ports diffrent?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Both bolt pattern and Vortec port location are different from "standard" Gen I SBC heads.

Try a search of "vortec" on the FAQ forum.

Batass

They are the correct ones. The only ones I would buy. $460 aint bad.