Me and one of my friends are building up an engine that will be used in his 87 2.8 firebird. We're looking for 400hp on a budget, and was wondering if Vortec heads on a 350 could achieve this? And if so, what else would be needed to match the heads. Also, we are thinking about strocking the engine to a 383, but would Vortecs still flow enough for this size motor. He doesn't want to go and spend 1k+ on Brodix or Dart heads, if we could use Vortecs. Alright, any advice would be appreciated.

Matt

 

You're going to need a higher lift cam than the springs can handle I would think, so some work would need to be done there.

oh, i know where he can get some awesome heads in aluminum for $870 shipped, just need 2 more buyers.... I just ordered a set myself.

 

yeah, i have a set of vortecs myself. theyd work for 383 or 350. mark is right about the valve springs. depends on how much of a budget you are on....but the cast iron is MUCH cheaper which is what i got

 

Thanks for the reply Mark. Do you think that the machined heads from Scoggin Dickey will be good enough? They accept .550 inches of lift, and that would be near the limit of what my friend wants to run, because he wants it to be streetable. Also, what kind of heads are those aluminum ones you were talking about. I want to go with AFR's but if something comes up that seems like a better deal...I'll go for it.

Matt

 

.550 lift isnt exactly streetable if you ask me. your power brakes are long gone

 

Hey, Mark A Shields. Where are you getting those aluminum heads from? I'm looking right now for heads for my 87 5.7L. I am very interested in hearing about these and If they would work for me

 

Go to http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/

Click on Search and type in "Vortec". There is aton of info on
different vortec headed buildups from past issues.
All the answers and more are there.

 

If you use roller, it helps streetablility a lot.

 

check your PM's

 

I am using these heads with .510/.520 lift with a roller. Brakes are good, and steetability is real good. Idles rough, but constant so I agree with Mark. The Vortecs from Scoggin-Dickey would work just fine if they are in your budget.

 

400 hp on a budget...definately vortecs. Either S-D or Wheeler motorsports. Both allow for .550 lift but I am not sure if S-D machines in the 1.6 exhaust valve. I know Wheeler does.

As far as what to go with it, Comp cams XE-268, Edelbrock performer RPM intake (vortec style of course), Speed demon 750 carb, 1.6 rockers (Crane has nice stamped steel rockers cheap), Hedman 1-5/8 headers, MSD or Flamethrower ignition, Blue Max wires, Bosch platinum or NGK plugs, and a good exhaust system.

Also try to calculate for .040" quench. So if you are decking the block or just buying head gaskets, keep it in mind.

 

Do you need to drill and tap the vortec heads to bolt on the accessory brackets or do the holes line up?