So here's my setup: 355 ci, Vortec heads, Performer RPM intake, Comp 284h cam. Are the Vortec heads holding me back? In other words, if i were to bolt on a set of higher flowing heads(and obviously an intake that goes well with them) would I gain any horsepower? Im just curious that if with my current setup I could be making more horsepower with some better heads. Thanks, Dave

Vortec heads are good oem heads. You can always make more power with after market heads though. AFR 195 heads on that combo would give you more power.

Thanks for the reply man. Yeah the curent setup with the Vortecs is pretty potent but it's tax return time haha. So in your opinion would the AFRs or any other head be worth the swap for the extra power? I dont mind spending the money as long as its not for like 5 more hp

I dont have them but i like what i read and hear from the AFR 195s. But yes a quality head would give you some more power. If you just go with an economy after market head you probably wont gain that much.

any increase in airflow will move your rpm range up at the cost of low rpm torque.

My only problems with moving the rpm range up are the limits of the engine and trans. The engine has regular pistons and crank, nothing forged. Also, the 700r4 shifts somewhere in the 5000 range and I don't know how to change it's shift point. I have a 3000rpm stall. What woud be the engine operating range with those heads? Would my engine be ok to rev as high as those heads would want? How would I change the shift point of the trans?

shift kit.

If it were up to me, I'd stick with the vortecs. They are a respectable head with good flow numbers and CC. Not to mention when you bump the power up you need to think about the strain you'll be putting on existing hardware. Your motor might be freshly rebuilt but your trans prolly isn't and neither is your rear end. Don't wanna blow anything up! :P

I'm with Grumbles. As cast AFR's are not going to do much for you; definitely not a wise hp/dollar choice.
Unless you're beyond 400 fwhp right now, stick with the Vortecs.

Thats a solid combo man, you should run mid 12's if everything is set up right. Save your money for beefing up your trans/ rear end or use it to buy a set of slicks because you're going to need them!