Im looking to purchase some Vortec heads, and i am wondering which heads i can use. Can i use any one the vortec heads? such as the 99+ truck heads? I really want to buy some to put on my motor, with is a '78 350. Please help me out!! Thanks in advance!

--Steve

 

As long as they aren't Gen III type heads, they'll fit (with the appropriate intake manifold, of course).

 

yeah what he said. castings 062 or 906 on an "L31"350

 

So is it true that you gain about 40 hp? Would it be good if i ported and polised the heads? Oh yah.. and another question... I read in hot rod magazine, they make camshafts that allow you to switch the firing order for more power. Has anyone done this?

 

the firing order swap is mostly for HIGH rpm race motors, to add stability. the only cams i've seen are rated 3000-7000RPM or higher....
I think it'd be a good idea even on lower rpm, but that's just me. I think crower or some other cam company custom makes them, so you could get a mild one with the firing order swap.

apparently vortecs are good on the intake side, but the exhaust side needs the work.

 

How much is a good price for a decent set, with low miles? are there any other cheap heads that are any good?

 

305 heads like 416's, 601's, 081s are well liked and common. 083s are good too.
Price? that's really hard to say, depends on where you can get them.

 

But it doesnt seem like they flow good.. smaller chamber right? I have some 305 heads from my old motor, whre is the casting number located at? Also, could i do anything with the heads i have now to make them performance-worthy?

 

they aren't amazing stock, they just have a nice small chamber, to get your CR ratio up. But they are nice and thick. So once you port the snot out of them, they should be fine. Chances are you have 416 heads. The casting number is under the valve cover, pretty easy to find.

the heads you have now are.... (i'm a mind reader), either 882's, or 993s. They are 76 cc chambers, and thin. Not too great.

If it were me (and I am in this boat now), I would (and I am) using the 993 heads to practice porting, then doing the 416s, with the intake valves off the 993s. (1.94's)

 

A good Vortec head kit (includes things you're going to have to buy, anyway, and is cheaper this way): http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2172...mer-Intake.htm

A better Vortec head kit (all of the advantages of the above, plus more valve lift capability and a better intake manifold): http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/2172...PM-Air-Gap.htm

 

Wow for that money your not far off from some nice cnced aftermarket heads. Go to the swap meet and pick up some cheap intake and your set.

 

R.H.S (formerly Pro Topline),a subdivision of comp cams,makes really nice vortec replacement heads.i have the older toplines and theyre sweet !
they have addressed the many problems associated with the factory heads,and i've seen them on ebay for $500 bare.
Eric B

 

So are they better than vortecs?