I was looking into these and I have a few questions:
1. They are iron right, any alum
2. Can they be safely milled to 58cc for my 305
3. Is there any other option for a manifold except carb (can I use my TPI)
4. Are they emissions legal (heat risers or what ever it is for the egr valve)
5. What vehicles in the junk yard would have these
6. How much, new or used

Thanks

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI

 

1. They are iron right, any alum

Not that I know of. Maybe someone else knows something I dont. Sure would be nice.

2. Can they be safely milled to 58cc for my 305

I dont like the idea of milling the head to lower the head CC's, but yea you could do it

3. Is there any other option for a manifold except carb (can I use my TPI)

Depends on your idea of use. With modification, yes, but I am not so sure its the best way to do it. Probably be best to wait for the Vortec lower we keep getting promised.

4. Are they emissions legal (heat risers or what ever it is for the egr valve)

Dont know, but I do see a port where the heat riser port is so I would think so.

5. What vehicles in the junk yard would have these

Ditto. I'd guess pickups, 96ish-up.

6. How much, new or used

Dirt cheap new, I would get them new not used. Around 210 each, thats nothing at all for a brand new head.

[This message has been edited by madmax (edited January 24, 2001).]

 

I just read in the archives something about water jacket problems. Can anyone elaborate on this. What mods need to be done to correct this.

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI

 

Don't know about the water jacket, but they don't have EGR provisions. The trucks equipped with Vortec heads use a method of plumbing exhaust gas from the exhaust manifolds to the intake...not through the head like others. I agree with madmax, don't worry about finding 'em used. Pick up a complete set for just a hair over $400 (that's both heads, COMPLETE). Pace Parts sells Vortec heads drilled for the early style carbeurated intake bolt pattern...you could probably find a TPI base to match (or modify your old one, I dunno, I'm not a TPI guy).

-Mark W.
'88 SC Camaro w/ 305 TBI

 

Does anyone else have some input?

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI

 

I drilled and tapped a set for use with a stock TPI on my friend's 350 Formula with outstanding results. We initially had some coolant sealing problems but fixed. If you wanted to go this route, you could get a corvette tpi lower which has provisions for external egr hookup via egr tube. this could easily be set up to work on a car with headers. I agree with the earlier comment about not wanting to mill the heads. This would be a very bad idea because the decks on the L31 vortec heads are thin. If you really think you need the extra compression, go with a thin head gasket. There is supposed to already be a tpi lower for vortec heads out but I have yet to see it.

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1987 Trans Am GTA WS6
-5.7L SuperRam
-TFS Twisted Wedge Heads
-LT4 HOTCAM
-LT1 PM Rods
-4L60-E Transmission
-LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft
-4.10 SRD

1988 Pontiac Grand Am
-3800 SFI V6
-125-C Trans
-Stock 2.5L converter (stalls at about 3000)
-Stock emissions equipment
Domestic Terrors Car Club Online