Well this weekend Ill be picking up:

- Vortec Heads
- Performer RPM intake (Vortec)
- Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 274 kit (Comes with Hydraulic lifters)
- New Head bolts
- Gaskets (Intake/head)

Now, I am unsure of what else Ill need, going to re-use pushrods. Is it just a rumor that I'll need new valve covers for the Vortec heads? Also, I should be safe using the same existing headers (Hedman or hooker, dont know) right?

This is going on my stock 76 LT shortblock (extremely low compression, I think 8.5:1 possibly 9:1 [Not quite sure on CC of these heads so..]) either way its low. Still hope to have a pretty good combo until this summer when I get back from bootcamp and will start on a killer short block.

Any comments about anything on this setup would be appreciated, Car craft used the same cam, same heads (but mine will be a bit better, manly street flo valves back cut, comp springs, 3 angle) along with the same intake but with a Edelbrock 750cfm instead of my Holley 600 Vac Sec carb and made 442 fwhp cheating a little bit (1.6 Roller rockers grrr hehe).

 

i hope you had the heads cut for the larger cam and springs that you need to run with that cam. also need the guides cut down a little as well. hopefully someone else can back me up on this too.

 

Not sure of the 274 Comp Cams spec. but anything over .475" of lift should have the valve guides shortened or the retainers will go crash against them. The spring pockets will need to be enlarged for bigger spring pockets unless you go to the Conical shaped valve spring with a 1.25" spring for the pocket and a larger 1.5" retainer.

 

I am going to go with those Conical springs you suggested.

While ordering parts for my heads, will they know what should all go together as in retainers/locks/guides? Because I am a little confused as to what to order.

 

When ordering go to the tech support for ordering. For the valve springs, ask for the Comp Cams 982-16 conical springs. They will know the proper retainer and locks.

When you order the heads, ask if the guides can be machined to accomodate a bigger lift before they are shipped. If they don't provide that service, you will have to take them to an automotive machine shop where you live.

 

I am buying the heads locally. Where should I buy the guides? I am already planning on a 3 angle, back cut and then them installing all these new parts plus machining the guides down.

 

Are the heads new? If they are, they are already in the heads. If the heads are used, the guides will have to be checked for wear by the machine shop. If they need guides, let the machine shop provide them for you.

 

i'ts been several years since the heads on my motor were assembled... but the cutting the guide process was worth like 25 bucks back then.. it's not a big deal. i'm running vortecs and anxe274 cam. a set of good "z28" springs. and it's treated me well.

it's a pretty well rounded setup lightened when and where i could, it's put me to a best of 11.96 @ 113.5 so far. with a performer rpm intake 1" spacer and 780 vac sec holley

 

What kind of compression you running or what bottom end ?

Also to your 1/4 times.

Do you have a slip. Are you pulling some good 60fts or something. I am in a 3800lb (With me in it) 75 Camaro. So i'm not expecting quite as fast as a third gen, but I'm also throwing on a 100-125 shot. Its a Saginaw 4 speed, with a 10 bolt posi, 3:08 gears on 245/65/15 tires.

I hope I can pull an 11.5 on a 125 shot at or near 120mph. That is what I want, but anything under 12 is going to make me very happy.

 

Go here http://www.nastyz28.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?action=intro and do a search for anything in the Engine Topic board, or the High Performance Modifications and enter "Vortec" in the "Search Words" and under user name, put "Dirt Reynolds"

Believe me. You will find out anything you need to know about Vortec heads.

 

I have the same saginaw 4spd you do in my 82, and it isn't going to hold up to a 11.5sec run.

 

compression.. bout 10.7:1

forged pistons, polished Xrods, 4130 forged crank.

don't have the slip in front of me, but the car will pull 1.65 +/- 60ers, it was over 90mph in the 1/8 mile. Weight of the car.. no idea. it's mainly gutted, but has an 8 point roll bar, and sfc's. was running a700R with 3300 stall converter. I was running a 7.5" 3.73 gear set.