I plan on buying the TBI Edelbrock intake soon but I want to accompany it with some heads. I don't have $900 handy for some good ones but I was looking inot the 305 TPI heads. Which cars did those come in. What I mean is, are those heads on the T-5 equipted TPI's or Automatic equipt TPI's? I heard they were different and I don't want to go to a yard and buy what I already have. Also is there a mileage limit on heads that I should look out for. I would get new springs and rockers but as for the wear on the head, is there a mileage factor. I will get them ported and pollished to to help clean them up. And will getting these heads really help. I know they are better than the stock cast ones I have now but how much will they limit me once I get an intake, cam, and headers? What is a good price to pay for some that are in good shape? I don't want to get ripped off so I am asking the TBI masters

------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

The Vortec heads are a good inexpensive head that'll work on our 305's. They run just a hair over $400 for the set, plus having them shaved to get the combustion chamber volume down to around 58cc or so. The springs are only good for around .450" lift, so if you decide to change cams in the future you'll probably have to change the springs but they'll work just fine with your stock cam. I'm not sure if Edelbrock makes a TBI intake for the Vortecs, you might just wanna get a 4 barrel intake and use a TBI adaptor with it...

-Mark W.
'88 SC Camaro w/ 305 TBI

 

ditto's on the vortecs. they have got to be the best production heads ever. 450-460- is ok for a cam, try to make up for the lack of lift with a longere duration grind if you can find it. with the vortec heads you may want to use a little bigger exhaust than intake lobe, the intake side is so efficient it kinda overwhelms the exhaust side of the head in terms of flow numbers.

lata
tim

------------------
91 Camaro RS-LO3,Auto.
14.215@94.30 w/ 1.917 60'

Check Out The East Coast F-Body Nationals Home Page
www.geocities.com/njspeeder

My MAFB.ORG Home Page
www.mycar.net/mafb/registry/detail.cfm?id=299

DSI Racing Home Page
www.geocities.com/foff667

 

Thanks guys

Your expertise is much appreciated. So, You guys are saying that Vortec heads and a Vortec intake(with adapter plate for TBI) will produce more power than the TBI intake and TPI heads? If so that is what I will go for. I will get the intake and heads first and then match a cam to it. I am still new at this so I will be askin soon about cam specs that will work best with my setup. On the downside if I can't find a Vortec Intake for a 305 should I go tfor the TBI Performer intake and try to math heads from there.

Oh yea, where can I buy the Vortec heads. I mean there are a bunch out there aren't there. Which ones do I get.


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

You could pick a used set up from a junkyard if you wanted to save a little bit of cash, but I would just go ahead and buy a new set. They're so cheap new I don't see any reason to be a tight *** and try to save a few bucks. I got my heads (aluminum L98's) from Scoggin-Dickey. I don't have the casting numbers but the L31 Vortec heads are the ones to get. I don't have the flow numbers on the TPI heads, but they're nothing special...Vortecs are totally better.

-Mark W.
'88 SC Camaro w/ 305 TBI

 

If you go searching for vortec heads in the wrecking yards, look for this number under the valve cover: 10239906.

Otherwise order GM pn#12558060.

 

Thanks for the number.

I have beedn doing my research and most of the vortec intakes are for power ranges outside the 305 capability and work from 3500-8000. I think I have decided to stick with either Edelbroack's or Holley's TBI intakes. Those are the best bet for my 305 TBI. Plus I will never be able to get more than 350hp so a huge intake isn't needed. Ok will that said what are the best heads to go with either of those TBI intakes? Has anyone here used the Holley one advertised in the new jegs catalog? Which is better, Holley vs. Edelbrock? and what heads go best with both. I am leanign towards Edelbrock because you can buyt hat take with a matching cam to get the most out of it. I do not know the specs but it makes for great power but keeps drivability(smooth idle, and keeps power range low where our cars excell).


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

scoggin dickie e-mailed me a while back about a new TBI vortec manifold. i cant find the link right now, but it is designed for swapping in a later model vortec crate motor into older TBI cars and trucks. if you end up getting the vortec heads from them, i would check into that manifold too.

 

If that TBI vortec intake can work on a 305 than I am sold. I want to keep my car true to its roots which means 305 and TBI. If not I was wondering what are the best heads to compliment either the Holley or Edelbroak 305 TBI intakes? Because those would be the intakes I would choose from.



------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

here ya go!



http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...d=738&pid=8154

OOOOOOHHHHHH YEA BABY!
also that edelbrock cam your looking at matching with the intake, is not a roller cam and is designed for a 350TBI truck motor. any one have a cam recomendation for the vortec heads? mabe a stock lt1 cam? i think anything other than a stock cam, will require chip reprogramming
------------------
91 RS
91 GMC Syclone



[This message has been edited by sy2449 (edited March 29, 2001).]

 

if it works on a 350 then it works on a 305.....thats all there is to it. thus youre sold

------------------
91 RS W/carbed 350, Vortec heads, performer rpm, Comp cams Xtreme energy 224/230 duration and .477/.480 lift. BFG Drag radials. 3.42 posi,Corvette servoed 700r4, 3000 stallconverter. Edelbrock TES, 3inch cat, flowmaster with single 2.5 inch exit.
Best time yet to come
12's?? :crossthumbs:

This is a Pic of my car in race trim www.tbns.net/billyjay/camero.jpg

Yes I know how to spell camaro- so dont ask. I didnt make the link

 

Wow that is great. How does it compare to the edelbrock one. I geuss if you pair it with those L31 vortec heads I will make some real power. I would have to use that manifold to run those vortec heads right? The only reason I aks is because that manifold is 400 bucks. Will the Edelbrok one fit with that. Also what headers fit on those L31 heads. Will TES or SLP work (the ones that go with the stock heads) or do I have to look for something else.


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

Correction, it is 330 bucks but that is still alot for a manifold. Would I be better with something elese or will those L31 heads and that intake provide the best HP.


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

Why is that manifold from vortec so expensive? Isn't the edelbrock one something like $210 from Jeg's? You could use the edelbrock intake and their centerbolt heads but if I remember, the heads and quite a bit more than the vortecs. Also something like 60cc chambers which drops compression a little. Which setup would you guys prefer and why?

 

http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...d=277&pid=1120

is this a good deal

 

I think i will pay the cost because vortec style heads and intake are supposed to be the best setups on GM motors. I think it will make mroe power in the long run.


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

Vortec heads are best bang for buck. Only problem is the special intakes. Yes that deal is good. $640 for assembled heads, intake, and all hardware is a good deal.

------------------
, Jon (350 TBI!)
91 Red RS w/grey int, sq stereo (Alpine v12, kicker solo, MB quart premium etc)

• Holley 670 TB unit w/ 1/2" spacer/adapter
• Edelbrock RPM vortec intake
• 350ho 330hp vortec crate motor
• 8" harm. balancer
• Stewart stage 2 water pump w/160 thermo
• SLP tri-y headers to full 3"
• Rebuilt trans w/ SLP shift kit
• Centerline 16x8's all around
• 36/24 mm sway bars
• Full poly bushings, even motor mounts
• SLP LCA and panhard
• Alston SFCs
• Edelbrock 3 point STB
• Global west steering brace aka wonderbar
• Eibach pro kit springs
• Bilstien high perf. struts and shocks
• All this and I still have AC

My websiteAny questions?

 

So should i get the $330 vortec TBI intake with the $400 L31 heads, or should I just get that vortec kit and buy an adapter plate. Do these set ups provide the same HP? Or is one better than the other



------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

yea that manifold is a little expensive, but its only $100 more than the edelbrock. i think its reasonable, since you dont have to adapt this and that, its set up to be an exact replacement for what you already have. i dont know about you but i hate it when stuff doesnt fit right. i think the only question i have is would my TES headers fit the new vortec heads? if so, im probably gonna do this set up also.

 

yea i think i should get the L31 vortec heads and vortec tbi manifold too. Does anyone have this setup or knows about how much of a hp gain this would give my 89 305 rs. mines about 180 right now pretty slow neeeeed more hp.

 

I agree and will shell out the bucks for the L31 heads and that intake. That is a good ?, will TES headers or SPL's fit on those heads?????????? Or do we have to look for somehting else


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

flame

 

Either set of headers will fit fine. The exhaust ports are the same as other sb heads.

Steve

 

do the vortec heads realy needed to be milled down, (58cc chambers)? if u leave them at 64cc it will hinder performance?

 

I think if you don't mill them, somone said the compression would be like 8.0:1. perfect for a nice blower

------------------
-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6
[soon to have Hooker 1-5/8" 50 state legal headers installed]

305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....

Super GRK_Taz World
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz

 

hahahha if i had 3000 dollars maybe being 18 is hard enough with insurance and gas

 

SO if I get those heads I have to mill them down? What if I get high compression pistons and lightweight rods to help out(which i probably will do one day)?????


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

I hate to see this thread die. Its sparked my curiosity! Definately looking at the the head package from SDPC. But what would be the best cam for this set up? I'm not one for numbers so a part number would be great! LT1 cam?

How much would it cost to mill heads and is it really necessary? My engine is stock right now. I'm looking for a little cheap pep and this seems to be the way to go.

------------------
89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)

 

from what they said its necessary but i dunno the price either

 

blowers start at $1500

 

Ah yes....but where do they end? 3K+ at least and not on my engine.

If I had a Formula 350 (looking) I would do it.

------------------
89 Formula 305 TBI
160* stat, 200* fan switch, K&N, Headers, 3in Flowmaster (hollow cat) back, pullies, 1.6 full roller rockers, B&M trans cooler, home-made ram-air
3.73 Richmond gears and SLP Zexel Torsen Posi (waiting for install)

 

you need that intake with the egr if theres emission testing where you live.i do'nt know if that intake is emission legal or not,may need an eq number

 

Just a side note:
Be careful what headers you put on those Vortec heads as they have the raised exhaust port like the 'vette alum. (.100 higher) probably be best with the SLP as the ports are a little taller. Still might have to grind a little to remove any restriction at the top. Once you lay your eyes on a pair you'll see what I mean.
Don>>>

------------------
Chronologically challenged. But still kicking!
'92 CAMARO RS
305 TBI 5/spd (now TPI)
B4C Alt.
'69 camaro-BB/Lenco,1050 dominators, /Pump Gas/no drugs 8.97-150+/3200lbs.
SoCal Thirdgen F-Bodies

 

Dyno Don,

Thx for the tip. I was looking for some tips like that. So I should get the SLP headers if I get heads? I want the TES headers because they are cheaper and are supposed to sound better.


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles

 

I would definitely be interested but I have a question that hopefully someone here can answer. It has a port(hole) for EGR. What exactly is that? I know it stands for Exhaust gas recirculation but where would it plug into? My headers have no A.I.R. tubes and I do not have my smog pump or any other emissions crap. Will I then need a manifold with EGR? It appears that if I go with Vortec heads, that is my only option. Or is there a way to just plug the hole? I'm probably way off here so any input would be great.

TIA,
Chris

 

On some heads there is a heat cross-over in the middle of the heads. Here is a picture of a head with the cross over...


Here is a picture of one without it...


That passage is where the EGR system pulls the exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. Some intakes don't have the passage and some do. Just get an intake that isn't equipped for EGR if you don't want it. The new heads, like the L98 heads shown above, that have EGR without the cross over run it off the exhaust manifold into the intake with a specialized EGR system. The AIR system on our cars has nothing to do at all with the EGR system.

-Mark W.
'88 SC Camaro w/ 305 TBI

 

Ok I think I have made up my mind.

I think I will go without the any TBI or vortec intake and just get something else. I have heard good things and bad things about the tBI intakes. And for 208 bucks I want 100% chance that I will get mroe power. Ok with that said who can recomend an intake that has EGR and all that good stuff that needs to be pluged in that works from Idle to 5500 rpm. Also I will just put an adapter on top to keep the TBI. This intake has to math up to the stock heads. I will get other heads down the road with some headers to top things off. I have heard good things about other intakes with an adapter plate and not enough good things about and of the TBI intakes. What ar eyour recomendations??????


------------------
1990 RS 305 TBI T-5
.5" turbocity spacer
Summit 14X3 OpenElement W/k&N
Custom Exhaust
MSD - Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil
Bosch Platinum +4 plugs
Metallic Red w/26,000 miles