Hello,
I am new to this forum but I though you guys would have some info for me. I have a chance to get a 2000 5.7 vortec dirt cheap. But this is not going in a hot rod I am a demo derby driver. Would there be a problem putting an older style head on a vortec bloc? I know generally it is done the other way around but it allows me to sell the higher dollar vortec heads and not buy a new intake. Also are there any benefits to the vortec block over an 80's 350 block. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Adam

 

Welcome to thirdgen.org.

I believe 2000 Vortecs are of the LSx family. Therefore, no compatibility with Gen I SBC's at all.

Seems like a waste of good hardware. Hope you're not going to say your derby car is a 3rd gen.

 

thanks for the response five7kid no my derby car is not a 3rd gen. I see that edelbrock makes intakes so that you can put a carb on a vortec motor. Is that just for 97-00 or something? I see no reason to not pick up the motor for a $100. I was just wondering if I could bolt older heads onto it and let someone else get some use out of the heads. They are roller motors so a little expense for my needs, but if I can't get more out of it than a gen 1 350 I might as well use it. The roller motor should handle heat better I would think.

 

You're probably right, I'm a little hazy on what the exact years of the "old school" Vortec engines were.

Old school heads will bolt to the L31 Vortec block.