Which is better for the $$$, the Aluminum Vortecs or the Torquer's for the 305? I'm keeping my 305 shortblock and want some decent heads. Which will give a better boost in power?

 

Id say go with the 305 SR torquer Heads there made for the 305 So thay should work well with your stock cam and well with a biger Cam. Im not to shure how much diffracnes there is with the Vortec heads but i know The SR Torquers heads are just about the Best heads you can buy for a 305


(and guys if im Wrong please tell me)

 

Which aluminum heads are you talking about? The Edelbrocks?

 

i say the vortecs if you mill them to keep some compression on the 305 they should be in the naeighborhood of 58cc not sure what factory vortecs are but not 58, its no big deal, and you could still use them on a 350, it would just bump up the compression.

 

Port and polish your own 305 heads. You'll save a bundle and get excellent power. Done right, they will flow just as well as the Vortecs or the World 305s.

And it can all be your's for about $400 US, total.

Compare that to at least $700 for either the Vortecs (valve covers, rocker arms and intake must be purchased, as well), or the World Products 305s.

Check it out and be wise :hail:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=117410

 

I can't say I agree with that position.

1st, flow does not equal power. You might get the same maximum flow, perhaps even the same flow @ lift between the different heads, but there's more to power than just flow. Entry angle into the chamber, chamber shape, spark plug positioning, etc., will affect how flow translates to power, so don't stop just at flow #'s. The S/R Torquers and Vortecs have chambers that are different from stock 305 heads, and it does make a difference.

Also, both stock and Vortec heads have limitations on lift due to the press-in rocker studs and valve springs. Both should be replaced, and some machining is required. That raises the cost, so the figures quoted aren't complete. And, the Edelbrock Vortec-style aluminum heads should be shaved to about 54cc to make up for lost compression and lost heat.

Not to say the Torquers are perfect. They benefit greatly from pocket porting (bowl work), as well as the rest of the Standard Abrasives DIY guidelines porting and polishing. But, the rocker studs and valve springs are already included in the price, and they are higher quality castings than stock heads or Vortecs.

 

The Torquers come with Manley Valves also.

 

The Vortecs have superior combustion chambers, but the World's look the same as an average LG4 head.

I'd have to go over the Worlds and compare them to a standard LG4 head, but I'm MIGHTY impressed with how my 601 castings came out. F-Bird'88 really knows his stuff.

And all I'm saying is for lifts in the .450-.460 range, you can't beat a home ported set for the money. And I know you'd agree, Tim.

Add in some threaded studs and a little more machine work for higher lifts and you're into the next level of performance. All for less than $500.

If you don't mind investing a little sweat equity, you can save some good money.

And on a 305, or even a 350, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a substantial difference in horsepower with them.

 

The combustion chambers on your heads are shaped differently than the typical 416 heads, which have the spark plug extending farther into the chamber, with a corresponding nub in the chamber. Your chambers seem to shroud the valves more - probably to keep the chamber size down due to the lack of the spark plug nub.

The Worlds are shaped differently than either one, and the shrouding isn't as bad with 1.94" intake valves.

I will agree that porting stock heads is a decent investment, up to a certain power level. Then, the Worlds just take over.

Shaved Vortecs seem to be good for 305 power, too. I just have difficulty getting around all of the other issues Vortecs bring up, especially for smog-legal applications.

 

Tim,

Have you seen the combustion chambers of the new Edelbrock Performer and RPM heads? They don't have that spark plug nub in the combustion chamber either. I wonder if the design pendulum is swinging back that direction now?