i getting a 2000 vortec short block it should be here with in the week,
i would like to know if mine "083 casting" 350 tpi heads well work on it, i heard that the coolent passages are diffrent?

 

What's the casting number on the block?

The term "Vortec" seems to be used rather loosely at GM lately. The 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L, IIRC, are all labeled "Vortec", and were in 2000 + trucks.

If it's an L31 5.7, 350 cid block, then they'll work.

The only engines to have the "strange" coolant passages were the L99, LT1 and LT4.

 

Check to see if the main # on the side of the block is 880.
That one was used up to 2000 and it will work with 083 heads.

 

the only odd coolant passages is the absence of the water pump bypass in the block. its the little hole below the w/p bolts. you will need a water pump bypass, so you will have to run a small hose to the intake manifold to acomplish this.

 

Hmm I know the LT1's and LT4's have the f'd up coolant passages, not sure what else would, but I doubt the truck "Vortec" engines do.

 

Like Don mentioned up to 2000 engines are fine. Same as the Vortec 305 in my Camaro which only has one difference in the short block, that being the timing cover is not interchangeable with older style SBC. So your going to need a CPS or risk installing a freeze plug into the plastic cover. These late model vortec engines are a very nice platform to work from so have fun and dont worry about coolant passages ect.

 

Some don't have that coolant hole but most do.
The timing cover from the L98 will work if you get two 1/4" dowel pins and drive them in for the cover to align on.
On the ones without the coolant hole, I just drill two 1/8" holes in the thermostat.

 

Just so that I'm clear.....I'm thinking of getting an L31 partial shortblock, but just kinda realized that it's a reverse-
flow, serpentine motor.....mine is a standard rotation v-belt drive motor. Will it somehow work anyway?

 

M. Hall, Methinks you are confusing the reverse rotation WATER PUMP on a serpentine setup with a reverse-cooling flow LTx series engine. If you are using your stock belt-driven accessories, all you need to do is use a water pump compatible with the original engine.

Tim sends

 

Thanks for clearing that up Tim!