Vortec heads?? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

misteel · 03-11-2002, 02:13 PM

I'm building a engine for a Factory stock race car and was debating on using Vortec heads.....But, I cannot run an aluminum intake. Is there a cast iron intake that will work with Vortec heads??

Thanks

bhaas · 03-11-2002, 02:35 PM

You can get Vortec heads predrilled for pre '87 intakes at Pace Parts, then you can use the cast iron one no prob. I ordered some the other day. Should be here today or tomorrow.

Brad...

Playdough · 03-11-2002, 03:14 PM

Does anyone sell the Vortec heads drilled for a 91 TPI intake base. I can't justify spending $400 for the base that Pace sells.

RB83L69 · 03-11-2002, 03:48 PM

The intake runners on those heads don't line up with the runners on a TPI base (or any other non-Vortec intake, for that matter). Drilling may let it bolt up, but it doesn't really solve the problem.

Playdough · 03-11-2002, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RB83L69
The intake runners on those heads don't line up with the runners on a TPI base (or any other non-Vortec intake, for that matter). Drilling may let it bolt up, but it doesn't really solve the problem.

Thats right I for got about that. Never mind my question then. Maybe I can find the TPI base for the Vortec heads a little cheaper.

bhaas · 03-11-2002, 04:17 PM

So when I get my heads, my manifold still won't line up? If so I just got F**ked over........AGAIN!!!

Brad...

RB83L69 · 03-11-2002, 04:54 PM

I don't know all about what happened to you, but AFAIK there are no cast-iron Vortec intakes of any kind. But just my not knowing about them doesn't mean they don't exist.

Todds1987iroc · 03-11-2002, 05:31 PM

Jim Pace in there 2000 catalog sells cast iron vortec intake for $160 Part # 14097499. This is an intake for Q-jet carbs. They list it as a intake that is not made by GM but has an 8-digit part number cast on it. Hope this helps.

85 Berl · 03-12-2002, 01:22 AM

Hey, blaas, I have the Edelbrock performer vortec. I think it's the same height as the regular performer, so it'll fit uner your hood.

F-BIRD'88 · 03-12-2002, 03:03 AM

There is a marine cast iron 4bbl intake available.
It's used on marine motors for vortec heads.

If you can't or won't use a vortec style intake,
why buy vortec heads and monkey 'em up.
Thee are lots of other great heads out there that use a standard
55 to 95 intake.

bhaas · 03-12-2002, 09:17 AM

Pace has the vortecs already pre drilled for the old intakes. I thought they'd be fine. After further research I find out that it doesn't line up right. I guess I'll see when I get them. I probably should bad mouth Pace till I get the heads and see. When I get them I'll give my full and honest opinion.

Brad...

misteel · 03-12-2002, 09:18 AM

Thanks guys, like I said I'm still debating on using the Vortec's. I found a good deal on them, but was wondering if I would spend a bunch of money for a "special" intake.

Playdough · 03-12-2002, 01:59 PM

I don't mind buying a special intake. Its just that maybe some people want to see what options they have. Thats what I was wanting to do. Another thing I think that the prices they want are just little high. I mean $400 for what seems to amount to a stock intake? And then theres no flow numbers to be found on them as well. i will pay the $400 if I have to in order to run teh heads but its still a little steap.

johnsjj2 · 03-12-2002, 04:51 PM

If the Vortecs are drilled for older bolt patterns, use a welder on the intake. Build up the runner area, then port match it to the Vortec runner. It is still a cast iron intake. As far as the TPI intake, if I had my heart set that solidly on the Vortecs, I would do the same thing to the TPI base. Use a welder, and build up the runner. Now either of these intakes won't flow as well as an intake made for the heads do to the runner shape and position in relation to the head.