Gasket differences
 

Is there a difference between 86 and 87+ gasket sets for a tpi?... The reason I'm asking is because I just picked up a 98 350 vortec block and heads I'm going to cross everything over to.(currently I have a 86 lb9 engine) but when looking at GOOD gaskets.. It said 87 -93 tpi... ?? Was wondering if they are the same... Just was going to refresh the gaskets before I swap it in... Get it all together and except runners on up than put the engine in..I will be getting a new cam and 24# injectorswith tune with it as well.


And quick question.. Would I need new spings with this cam 20080660 or will I be OK with the stock springs?


Thanks

Re: Gasket differences
 

1. What gaskets are you referring to? The lower and upper intake manifold gaskets?

2. If you're planning to swap the TPI onto the '98 engine it isn't going to work. The TPI manifold base on the 305 will not fit onto the Vortec heads. Not unless you get a new manifold base designed for that purpose.

Re: Gasket differences
 

I know I will be getting a ported and polished vortec base from lingenfelter. And the gasket set is from cosmetic.

Re: Gasket differences
 

An its the upper end gaskets.. Head on up

Re: Gasket differences
 

http://www.sparktecmotorsports.com/cog-pro1004t.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=41477300408&gclid=CKjyxu2ntcYCFQUGaQodIrwDlQ

Re: Gasket differences
 

For the heads and intake, you do not want to buy a full gasket set.

Head gaskets... Use fel pro 1094. They are thinner and will help to tighten your quench height up and bump compression up just a tad.

For intake gaskets.. The only vortec intake gaskets I have ever had any good luck with has been the fel pro MS98000T set. You can't buy those gaskets with out getting the "kit" with the vortec upper intake gasket that you will not be using.

Valve springs must be changed. The spring on the vortec heads are pure junk. They will not handle the .471" exhaust lift on that cam

Re: Gasket differences
 

OK thanks for the reply.... I will get new springs.. Any suggestions and thanks for the part numbers... So I need..

Fel pro 1094-head gaskets
Fel pro ms98000t for the intake
Springs- 73943-16 (Hope there drop in replacement since I'm limited to a machine shop.)

I believe the lifters should be OK.


Anything else..

Thanks again

Re: Gasket differences
 

Your welcome.

I can save you a little more on springs.. Go with these $30 http://www.competitionproducts.com/H.../#.VZN89BtViko

I have used Howards springs on ALL of my builds for the past 10 years. Great springs.

For vortec heads, use those springs and remove the flat inner damper spring that's in them. It will be a drop in spring and will work perfect for you.

Your lifters will be fine to use.

Re: Gasket differences
 

Awesome thanks.... So all I need to do is remove the inner spring? Just curious on y.. I'll listen to you guys but am wondering why.... And would I need anything else?

Thanks

Re: Gasket differences
 

Vortec heads have a couple of probs you have to work around.

1) Stock springs are useless for any aftermarket cams. I think they are like 75#, maybe 80# at best. Replace with better springs

2) Stock they are lift limited to around .480" due to the tall valve guides. The retainers will hit seals/guides with more lift than that. You don't have to worry about this, but there is a few ways to solve this prob. Have guides cut down at machine shop, or grind 3/32" off bottom of retainers, or add +.050" or +.100" locks, or run alexs springs or beehive springs

3) The stock valve guide is a large O.D size and std. aftermarket cheaper priced springs are not large enough on the I.D to fit over the guides.
You can run a spring like I linked too and just remove the flat inner damper spring and it will fit just fine, or have the OD of guides turned down at a machine shop or buy the tool to do it yourself.

Re: Gasket differences
 

Thanks for the quick response... So with this cam ii should be ok right... I'm no where near a machine shop.. And it is a really young engine..

Re: Gasket differences
 

Your lift is .447/.471" so yeah you should be fine

Re: Gasket differences
 

OK sweet that is good news..thanks for your help. If I have any other questions I'll ask but should be fairly simple.

Re: Gasket differences
 

Quick question... Why would I take out the center spring?

Re: Gasket differences
 

The stock vortec valve guides are too large of an OD for the inner damper spring to fit over. On 1.25" springs the inner spring adds no spring pressure anyway really, it's just a damper.

Re: Gasket differences
 

So quick question... If I reuse the stock vortec rockers (I think there 1.6 ratio but not sure) will it be too much lift or am I able to use the rockers in my lb9 on this build... I know there 1.5 ratio.

Re: Gasket differences
 

what retainers and rest of components do i need so i can run high lift? On my vortec heads?