I was just perusing Craigslist, came across this.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/pts/207980909.html

Wanted to know what the difference between these vortec heads, and the ones I would buy new from GM are?

Looks like they will cost me half of what GM wants, plus they are already set up to take a greater lift cam.

Also, it says it only fits years 87+, so does that mean my block I used has to be 87+ ?

Thanks

 

87+ means you need an 87+ center bolt valve cover set, and intake manifold to match vortec.
casting is 062, so I think that's good.
difference is that these are used. 5000 miles. They might be cracked or something, I mean, why else would he be selling them so cheap, after barely getting them broken in? something fishy perhaps.

Might be worth looking in to, it's a good deal.

 

Ok, so I need centerbolt valve covers, which thye come with. And a manifold to match any vortec, which would probably by my performer rpm. Gunna have to get in touch with him and see what the deal with them is, thanks alot.

 

thats cheap for vortecs, including machining+parts ?!?!

Im presently working on mine, bought the tools for machining, porting etc ..

Itll cost me around that much for the Entire valvetrain LOL

 

Yea, it is cheap, he jut got back to me, said they came off a truck that had 35k miles, and he had them remanufactured he said for another project, which the bottom end failed after 5k miles, and now hes moving onto a bigger block. Just trying to get rid of them. Hes only about 20 minutes away from me, so I think im gunna try and go look at them tomorrow, he said they whre never overheated, no cracks or disfigurments, anything specific I should look for when I see them? Aside from the obvious bulges and cracks.

Thanks

 

bring a steel straight edge, or steel ruler, and lay it down over the decks in a few different directions, and try and slip a 2-3 thou feeler gauge under it at different points. That'll let you know if it's flat enough, or needs to be decked.
Then just a simple visual on it.

I think you're set though, you may have found a nice diamond in the rough. If he's got a matching intake manifold that he wants to get rid of, maybe offer him cash for that. Since he's going away from vortec heads, probably has no use for it. Price out the intake that you'd need to buy before hand, just in case.

 

Great call on the intake, thanks.