Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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?
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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
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
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Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: Supercharged 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 3.73
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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
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
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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
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
Thanks for the information. What about the crank makes them desirable? Anything that would be an upgrade I am willing to switch out.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: Supercharged 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 3.73
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
The L31 crank is stronger and more resistant to wear than the L98 crank
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 350ci TPI
Transmission: built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 4th gen rear end
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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?!?!
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
I am now thinking about rebuilding the vortec and doing a swap. Anyone know of some good articles about the swap?
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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.
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Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 383 SP EFI/ 4150 TB
Transmission: T400
Axle/Gears: QP 9" 3.73
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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/
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/
#20
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7
Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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.
#23
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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.
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
Really appreciate all the responses. If I were to ditch the tpi, would a carb be the ONLY way to go?
#25
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Re: Whats worth getting off 96 Vortec
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.
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