edelbrock vs. vortech heads
edelbrock vs. vortech heads
I'm sure your all familiar with the Edelbrock performer RPM total power package. They claim it will produce 420 HP with 9.5/1 compression. I was thinking about building one of these but those aluminum performer heads are a bit pricey for me right now. What do you guys think about switching the their package around to use a pair of iron vortech heads? Would there be any draw backs to the vortech heads, both performance and compatibility wise? Also, how would either set up perform with 10/1 compression? This is not for a daily drivin vehicle so I don't really care much about which octane rated gas I will need to run. Any help would be very appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,164
Likes: 1
From: Someone owes me 10,000 posts
Car: 99 Formula
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 342
Well, you'd have to spend another $150 to get the Vortec intake. (sorry forget if it's Vortec or Vortech).
Have you looked into Pro Lightning heads? check out www.proshaver.com for some good deals, and www.procylinderheads.com for more details on them.
I posted pics of mine a while back, try a search.
Have you looked into Pro Lightning heads? check out www.proshaver.com for some good deals, and www.procylinderheads.com for more details on them.
I posted pics of mine a while back, try a search.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: kansas
Car: '88 Camaro
Engine: 355
Transmission: 700R4
the power plus vortec intake manifold i got was about the same price as any other manifold. but, then again....it was made in china.......................................................................................
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, Alberta, Republic of Western Canada
Car: 1986 Sport Coupé
Engine: 305-4v
Transmission: 700R4 and TransGo2
Do a set of 305 heads yourself by following the instructions linked at the end of my sig. When done properly, and you CAN do this at home, they will support up to 500 hp.
Quite more than enough to hit Edelbrock's 420 hp figure, with lots to spare
Quite more than enough to hit Edelbrock's 420 hp figure, with lots to spare
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,111
Likes: 53
From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 Firebird S/E
Engine: 406Ci Vortec SBC
Transmission: TH-350/3500stall
Axle/Gears: 7.5" Auburn 4.10 Posi-Traction
The vortec heads work great at 10:1 cr.
Build a better motor for less by getting vortec heads, a comp XE274cam
and a Professional Products Crosswind (airgap) vortec manifold.
*** NEW PART***
The vortec heads will need the valve guides shortened and Comp 981 or crane 99846 springs self guided 1.6:1 rockers or screwin studs and guide plates.
www.professional-products.com
Install all this on a 0 decked flat top piston 350.
Acording to a recent article in Chevy Hi-performance magazine
this motor will make 440hp with 1.6:1 roller rockers.
www.chevyhiperformance.com search for "vortec" to find the article.
Build a better motor for less by getting vortec heads, a comp XE274cam
and a Professional Products Crosswind (airgap) vortec manifold.
*** NEW PART***
The vortec heads will need the valve guides shortened and Comp 981 or crane 99846 springs self guided 1.6:1 rockers or screwin studs and guide plates.
www.professional-products.com
Install all this on a 0 decked flat top piston 350.
Acording to a recent article in Chevy Hi-performance magazine
this motor will make 440hp with 1.6:1 roller rockers.
www.chevyhiperformance.com search for "vortec" to find the article.
Trending Topics
The "E-TEC" heads from Edelbrock are nothing more than aluminum Vortec heads. They also offer them in 200cc form, along with larger valves (2.02"/1.6").
My only concern would be the combustion process being lost. Iron heads have better "burn" qualities than aluminum heads and the efficient quality of the Vortec heads could be lost by using aluminum.
I don't have anything to prove that, but as you all know, you can run higher compression ratios with aluminum because of the ability to transfer heat faster, but sometimes you HAVE to raise it just to make up for the loss of efficiency.
Perhaps the higher comp. ratio would offset the loss of using aluminum? I dunno.
My only concern would be the combustion process being lost. Iron heads have better "burn" qualities than aluminum heads and the efficient quality of the Vortec heads could be lost by using aluminum.
I don't have anything to prove that, but as you all know, you can run higher compression ratios with aluminum because of the ability to transfer heat faster, but sometimes you HAVE to raise it just to make up for the loss of efficiency.

Perhaps the higher comp. ratio would offset the loss of using aluminum? I dunno.
Originally posted by PhatBird
Why dont you just put the engine you have back together with a few minor changes. Third gen is just going to blow up anyway, might as well not waste a bunch of money on an expensive engine to blow up.
Peace out
Why dont you just put the engine you have back together with a few minor changes. Third gen is just going to blow up anyway, might as well not waste a bunch of money on an expensive engine to blow up.
Peace out
And "Peace out" was cool to say in the ***** clicks a few years ago. Now it's just dumb. Welcome to last year hero.
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth, Colorado
Car: '94 Corvette
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
The Edelbrock RPM head are of pretty good quality. I know, I ACCUALY own a set... If you massage them just a little, there hard to beat.
Ron
Ron
I think you meant to say "A Third gen is just going to blow up anyway. "
And "Peace out" was cool to say in the ***** clicks a few years ago. Now it's just dumb. Welcome to last year hero.
Hey Jimmy, whats your problem? I know actually having to drive a third gen must make you a little surly but lets try to keep it to out selves like a big boy, ok?
***:lala:
And "Peace out" was cool to say in the ***** clicks a few years ago. Now it's just dumb. Welcome to last year hero.
Hey Jimmy, whats your problem? I know actually having to drive a third gen must make you a little surly but lets try to keep it to out selves like a big boy, ok?
***:lala:
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Tx
Car: 91 RS, 00 TA Ram Air, 86 IROC
Engine: 305 tbi, LS1, 355
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E, 700R4 NonLU
Why can't we all just get along?
Let us just concentrate on making our cars exactly what each of wants them to be.
:rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
Let us just concentrate on making our cars exactly what each of wants them to be.
:rockon: :rockon: :rockon:
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
86IROC112
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
4
Aug 17, 2015 02:00 PM





