I want to put different heads and cam on my iroc, and i have to do it on a budget just like everybody else. My question is which would be the better bang for the buck, the vortec and new intake for tpi, or should i get the lt1 heads and intake. Im not after a ton of hp/tq just enough to beat the other third gens around here, and maybe keep up with an lt1. As of now i dont have headers or a decent exhaust, but thats next on the list, then the head and cam swap. As far as a cam, I have no clue what to get, mainly because of my ignorance. Any oppinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

How much money are we talking, how much power vs streetability are you looking for, and do you really want to stay with fuel injection? You'll save money by going to a carb, but you can't beat fuel injection for gas mileage a tunability.

 

As far as money goes, I'm really not wanting to spend more than 500 on just heads, hoping i can get lt1's or vortecs for like 200, then the 300 can go towards machine work and springs and what not. I want to stick with fuel injection, its there and i really dont need to dink with it to much. As far as the lt1 intake, that would just be the thing to throgh on the heads. But im not against sticking with the tpi, i guess i just want to know which would be the less expensive, but i'm thinking that theyre six's. I could reallistically get either heads for 200 ish, and then either intake is going to be 150-200. But i guess what it boils down to is which head flows the best, or would flow best after a valve job. There are a lot of variables now that i really think about it. As far as power I dont see myself ever needing more than 350 hp, thats where i would like to sit is between 300-350.

I hope this all makes sense.

 

Vortec heads are good. I have the 330hp crate which is a 5.7L with Vortec heads and a decent "factory cam" puts out 380 ft lbs. Id take that over any bone stock LTI. I dont know if its gonna be under your budget though.

With Vortec heads you have to be careful though, not alot of room for lift.

So my advice is go with vortec heads and a mild cam.

 

Given your modest budget, I would recommend that you avoid buying new heads or a cam. If you already have a 350, you should focus on making more power with what you've got. The L-98 heads aren't that bad, they just need a little massaging to bring them to life. And if 300-350 hp is your goal, those heads flow well enough stock to make that kind of power. The main thing that's standing in your way of that power goal is the intake system. It was designed for a 305 not a 350, so you can imagine how difficult it is for the 350 to breathe. If the intake isn't improved, better flowing heads or a bigger cam are useless. Look around for the free upgrades described on this site, do them all. Get a K&N air filter, make yourself a ram air system, get a bigger T.B., runners and intake off here or E-bay and you'll get your 300 hp and maybe more. Doing all of that will eat your budget all by itself, but you'll be pleased with the results. A bigger cam with better flowing heads with the stock intake is not only overkill, it's pointless.

 

Oh when I switch the heads I'm either going to get the lt1 intake with it, or if i get vortecs I'll get the HSR vortec to go with it. But if I can have the L98's machined and have bigger valves thrown in, what would be a good combo as far as cam, head specs. Im positive if I did this I'd still get an HSR, the TPI just doesnt have my confidence, it is neat, but so is a microbus with tracks.

 

intended use?
Open the valves on the l-98 heads to 2.00 intake, 1.550 exhaust. Anything more than that and you'll run into sealing problems and maybe even a cracked head. Buy the ZZ9 camshaft from T.P.I.S. and use another intake of your choice. For a street runner, anything would be better than the stock set up. The H.S.R. has given a few people here problems, so check out their posts for an idea of the associated problems. It's better to be prepared. http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294838641
The link above will take you to a cam from Comp with more duration. If you don't mind a little more lope to your idle, try a cam with 224/230 duration. The ZZ9 cam will get you into the 12's with a decent intake and all the freebie mods I told you to perform earlier, and keep a relatively stock idle quality. This could be nice from a street sleeper point of view. Hope that helps.

 

Well I'd like to set it up as a daily driver, but if somebody pulls up and wants to see what its got, I'd like to leave in my tracks. So nothing to crazy, just enough to make around 350 Hp. And if I leave the TPI on I would port it out so that the 350 would be able to breathe with that head work and new cam, but if the TPI wont flow enough I'll get an HSR. Most people in my area just through a cat back on, and not a whole lot more, so if they pull up I would like to see them in the rear view mirror.Thanks for your responses theyre greatly appreciated

 

gotta say i am VERY happy with the crate vortec i bought from scroggin dickie. although she just dropped a valve spring this thing kicks butt.

if you can swing the vortec heads that have been done to take the 1.6 rockers.......do it. also, while there may be better cams for the LTR combo the lt 4 hot cam has not disappointed me.

if you are looking at the HSR (hope to have one on by summer) you may want to take a serious look at the hot cam.

if you just want to stick to budget..........NO2 with a few other mods will put a smile on ur face fo sho.

good luck and keep us posted!!