Hi, im currently building a 350 for my camaro. I have an 87 350 engine and i already have the new replacement gaskets. My question is can i use the same head gaskets if i want to put on some recent Vortec heads?

Thanks

 

I think the answer is "no", but I'm not sure so I'm moving it over to the Tech board for responses.

 

I think you can. I dont think the head gaskets are specific to the Vortec heads like the intake gaskets are.

 

I don't see why you coudln't...Intake gaskets are a different story.

 

I just build a 355 with vortec heads, and I used a FelPro gasket set - I had to get vortec intake gaskets but the headgasket fit fine, adn I've had no problems with it.

 

I was thinking the difference in chamber shape might call for a different head gasket, but, what do I know...

 

More than me...in a lot of aspects.

It might though. Like i said, i am unsure. I have heard of a Gen II SBC HG being used. But i also know of many who have gotten away with running the standard Gen I sbc HG. I guess i would like to see the difference between a Vortec head gasket and a SBC head gasket, if any difference actually exists.

 

The chamber does not extend past the cylinder bore, so regular heads gaskets work. Infact any SBC head gasket for a 4.0" bore will work, except of course LT1 and LS1 derivatives.

 

They WILL work fine. I have my vortecs bolted on with the stock rebuild gasket set for a 1990 L98. The bottom of the head surface is identical to older heads (L98 and 87-up heads). I have the GM intake gaskets(which I highly recommend ) which can be used for the life of the engine and they have special silicone rings around each port for a good seal and they lock in place with factory tabs that go into those little holes by the intake bolt holes.

 

if they would have worked for the other heads (meaning they're the right bore size) they could work for this one.

you just need to know the thickness... vortec heads have a smaller chamber, so they'll raise the compression... as long as its still reasonable with thoes gaskets, it'll work.

 

62cc's vs 64cc's, hardly anything to worry about! The vortecs have an excellent fastburn chamber. So it is possible to run 10.0:1 compression with the proper quench on 87 octane without detonation. You just have to remember that vortec require less timing advance for make optimum power 28-30*.

 

thanks guys, i appreciate all your responses..Now i cant wait to get this engine in the car. Hopefully next week it will be running