i got a stock tbi 4x4 pick up with 193 heads and came across some 217 heads off a boat and i know there the same as 083 vette heads and im wondering what hp gain ill get from the swap. id like alittle more juice out of it but will the 217s make me loose torque? im just lookin for some more power on the cheap lol

 

Are the center two bolt holes for the intake manifold at the proper angle for your TBI intake? Seems that maybe the 217 casting could be machined either way--old-style bolt angles, or the newer angle on the middle two bolts.

Those were also the casting numbered heads used on the first-style 300-hp 350HO crate engine. Later, they dropped those heads like a broken rubber and installed Vortec heads. The engine was then the 330-hp 350HO.

First Guess: Mild top-end gain, not really worth the effort.

 

I have never seen a set of 217s with 90* center bolts, they have all been at the 72* angle. Not saying they don't exist, just never have seen them.

The reason GM moved up to vortec heads is due to the fact many of their crate engines are based off truck/marine engines. When trucks moved up to Vortecs, so did the boats and therefore GMPP moved up to Vortecs.

The only way it would be worth it is if your TBI heads are cracked or worn out in a way that would make them not serviceable and the 217s were more serviceable. Other than that you will lose torque down lower in the RPM range, for a slight HP gain, IF RETUNED.