FJA

I am building an engine for my 1987 Camaro and I have a choice of Corvette aluminum or Vortec cyl. heads. My short block is a flat top piston 350 with a hyd. roller camshaft 232-242 duration @50- 510, 525 lift. Intake will be a Perf. RPM.

Any info on the cyl. heads would be a great help.

Also wondering how fast will this combo. go.

1. Race weight 3100
2. Powerglide trans
3. 3500 stall converter
4. Long tube headers
4. Flowmaster mufflers
5. 4.56 gears

Thanks Frank

ttypecamaro

iTrader: (2)

Facts:
The vortec heads were measured to flow better than the aluminum L98 heads, but they require a special intake manifold.

Cylinder-Head Flow-Bench Database - Tech Article - Chevy High Performance Magazine

Experience based Opinions:
From the looks of the rest of your setup, the small 170cc vortec intake runners and 1.94/1.5 valves might be a mismatch for the rest of your parts (too small).

Both of those heads work best for midrange power, and it looks like you plan on twisting it pretty fast with those 4.56's and the 3500 stall. Maybe you have some tall tires. Or do you plan to run the 1/8th mile? because that would be a little different.

Peak horsepower with that cam and those heads might be around 5500rpm, which is about 90 mph on 26" tires and the powerglide in 1:1 gear. I'd say stick with the 4.10's in your profile (102mph at 5500) or get better heads. Your cam specs are just smaller than my brother's car (234i 245e@.050" and .544i .576e) which makes peak power at 5900rpm with 195cc intake runners and 2.02/1.60 valves.

You probably could run 12's with good traction.

Questions:
Racing? 1/4mile or 1/8mile? Desired times?
Street car or dedicated racecar (trailered)?
Why a powerglide? why not TH350/400/700R4?
Tire size? Slicks?
7.5" 10 bolt rear?

zz4monte

Vortec all the way. I have a zz4 head which is a L98 casting with different parts but the vortecs are supposed to be worth 20hp on a stock zz4.Vortec is cheaper and will make more power.The only down side is they are heavier but it makes up for it in power.

92RS(real slow)

port the stock ones

FJA

Hey guys thanks for the info.

1. running 1/4 mile
2. hope to hit 11's
3. street & strip (more strip)
4. 28" tall street slicks
5. KTRE 12 bolt
6. Powerglide is more consistant (1 shift)

Thanks Frank

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

I'd have to agree with ttype. It appears to be a mismatch of parts. Both heads are great street heads with the edge going to the Vortecs but they both are pretty small. I would look for something in at least a 190cc to 200cc intake range especially if your leaning more towards a strip car.

One thing that was not mentioned is the Vette heads have a 58cc chamber. That's going to put your compression in the 11:1 range with flat-tops. The exact compression ratio is depending on your gasket thickness and deck height.

FJA

Remember guys, I have Corvette aluminum and Vortec heads already. I would like to know wich one will give me the best performance. I know that a AFR 195 would be the best setup. I am just trying to use what I already have.

Guest

I'd go with the Vortec heads first, but thats going to depend on if you have the right intake or not. Planning on buying one? If this is another "I already have a performer RPM", then, you are stuck with the Corvette aluminums. I wouldnt worry much about running 11:1 with those though, I was running 10.3:1 with them and it ran on 87 octane so with 91-92 octane it should be fine with 11:1.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

sell both sets of heads and buy some dart 200cc iron eagle platinums and run faster for less cash outlay. Otherwise you're cam specs seem fine for the vortec heads after they've been mod'd for higher lift. I'm running a 3600 stall with my vortec combo with peak power around 6k so good luck on the combo.

FJA

Finaly completed my 350 Vortec build up and took my 1987 Camaro to the track yesterday and here are the results.

60' 1.559
330 4.587
1/8 7.166
MPH 95.09
1000 9.405
1/4 11.313
MPH 117.74

The combo is a std. bore 350, flat top pistons with eyebrow, 170cc vortec heads, Perf. RPM intake, hyd. roller cam 237-242 @50 510.- 525. lift, 1.5 roller tip rockers, 9:8 comp. and runs on pump gas. Trans is a powerglide with a 4500 stall converter and 4.56 gears. Carb is a Holly 750 DP. Has 29X11.5 Hoosier quick time tires. Car weighs 3150 with driver.

F-BIRD'88

Nicely done. can't beat vortecs for bang for the buck. Are they untouched or ported some?

Adding a transbrake to your glide should get you just into the 10's. Do you have the grind number of that cam?

FJA

F-BIRD'88, the heads are stock out of the box. The grind # is RRA1-237-242 pt.# 50199 it is a Lunati camshaft.

ttypecamaro

iTrader: (2)

I've read from many sources that stock vortec heads do not have enough spring seat clearance for more than .480" lift.

FJA

With the right valve spring & retainer it will work. I did have the heads machined for screw in rocker studs and larger diameter springs.