I am looking at cylinder heads for a LTR L98 buildup. I am primarily interested in a Vortec style head. The cast iron head's small 170cc intake port volume seems like it will work well with a LTR engine, but I'd prefer to run aluminum heads so that I can go a little higher with the compression ratio. FastBurns seem like an option, but I'm concerned that the 210cc port volume is too much for a TPI engine. How big can you go with port volume on a LTR engine without killing the torque? Also, how much compression ratio can you run with the cast iron Vortec heads? My general rule of thumb has been 9.5:1 with iron heads, but I'm wondering if the Vortec combustion chamber design is more resistant to detonation. I had considered the Edelbrock E-Tec 170 head, but haven't heard many good things about them.

 

Don't get to caught up in the port volumes. Determine how much air flow you need,, then find the smallest runner with the smallest valve that will deliver it.

It does appear to me that the TPI GM base can be ported enough so as not to totally choke down 235 - 240 cfm of flow at cam lift.

A set of Vortecs and the Scoggins base looks to be a very good performance per dollar combination.