Summit Racing is offering their version of a vortec head, part number SUM-151124. Unfortunately, they don't say much about them, and I can't find much info or many people using them. They appeal to me because they appear to have a slightly larger intake port, but I'm trying to figure out what else may be the same or different than Vortec heads. I'm trying to find out if they have screw-in studs, can accept high-lift cams and have thicker deck surface like the Pro Topline (now Engine Quest) Vortec heads have, if they can accept perimiter-bolt valve covers like the new GMPP Bowtie Vortecs have, etc. Basically I'm trying to learn anything I can about these heads.

If they offer the same sort of improvements as the EQ heads, they seem to be a hell of a value at $325 each. The EQ heads are about $250 each for bare heads, so by the time I add all the components I wind up with a lot of money invested in the heads... but I also get exactly what I want.

BUT... GM also offers a 175cc Bowtie version of their vortec that is also $260 bare. These accept screw-in studs, large valve springs, and here's the clincher... perimiter bolt valve covers. But again, I'm faced with the expenses of buying everything else.

So anyway, if anybody has any info they can add, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

if your 100% convinced that you want to run a "unique" head that requires a special intake........


just get some nice 18* heads...




seriously though, from what i was told, the summit ones are repackaged Pro Toplines...... have you tried calling summit and asking... usually the sales people will tell you that stuff..

 

I intend to call them after work. My hopes are that they ARE the pro toplines. I did notice on Pro Topline's site that they listed Summit as one of their outlets.

So far what I've learned is that after Pro Topline tanked, Engine Quest (who used to be a major customer of Topline) went to the people who were making them for Pro Topline (presumably the new zealand people) and they are now making them for Engine Quest. Engine Quest sells them for $244 bare, so if they are fully assembled from summit for $324, that's a good deal as long as it's not all complete crap parts.

But... those GM Bowtie heads are looking pretty sweet to me if I decide to go with bare heads.

 

Jim, do you have a link to the GM heads you're speaking about?


Thanks

 

I called Summit. The guy did a pretty good job of reading the website description back to me.

He went and checked with a tech guy and they "think" it's the same head as the Pro Topline Vortec. They have a 90 day return policy, so I might pull the trigger and see what they look like.

Mike:
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3129...inder-Head.htm

SDPC sells them for $300/each plus $15/each for shipping.

GMPartsdirect sells them for $260/each plus $52/each for shipping.

My local GM dealer can get them to me for $315, so it looks like it winds up being the same no matter where I get them from. For $10 more I can get the Summit heads fully assembled and ready to go. The one thing that I like the best about the GM heads is that I can use my "CHEVROLET" cast valve covers that I really, really like. I need to factor in the additional $1-200 that I'll have to spend on new valve covers and plug wire holders into the whole price and try to figure out what's best.

 

That's a toughie. Since you already have the valve covers I'd go with the bowties. You could get some good used LT4 valves to put in it and some GREAT springs from Howards Cams for cheap (www.competitionproducts.com) .
That would be a good set of street heads.
I would inspect the ports and do the traditional "vortec" cleanup on the valve guide bosses and gasket match them.

 

Just keep in mind that they make YOU pick up the return shipping. Last time I shipped a set of iron heads, I think it was about $90.

Just a little FYI

 

Good point.

 

I agree. I had a set of the pro topline vortecs and they are HEAVY!!!. I compared them (bare) to a stock set of stock vortec's I had laying around at the time and it was like 10 or 11 lbs. heaver each one. Most of that's the thicker decks which is nice if you're gonna be building a motor with lots of boost or nitrous. For a street motor it's just added weight! I'd go with the Bowtie Vortecs.