I am trying to ressurect my Trans Am. Its my opinion that my heads are messed up and are causing the massive oil consumption/ smoke problem.
I know a guy who is willing to sell me a set of Vortec 350 heads for $300. To use these I would also need to buy a new intake manifold.
Is there any questions I need to ask this guy before buying them? Is it a good deal? Will i see good gains in power, assuming I am currently using 70's style emission heads? Whats the difference between vortect and regular heads? Will they fit on a pre-86 350 engine?One more thing, is there anything I really need to do before putting them on my car?

Thanks to anyone who answers.

 

They are good heads and you will feel a pretty big boost in power over the smog era heads you have now. They will bolt up to an older 350 just fine, no issues there. You will need a different intake, as you mentioned, as well as a set of centerbolt valve covers.

The difference between the Vortecs and regular SBC heads is the intake ports - they are raised roughly 1/4" from the old location, and they are also taller and narrower than the old style intake ports. The intake manifold bolt pattern is also different. The chambers are very very similar to what the LT1 aluminum heads had, but 64cc instead of 53cc like the LT1.

I would definitely recommend having them checked over before you buy them, as those heads have a nasty habit of developing cracks in the thin area between the intake/exhaust valves in the chamber. If they check out OK, then go for it.

I would recommend getting the valve guides cut to handle more lift though, as that cam you are using (.454 lift) is very borderline with Vortec heads. Have them cut to handle .500 or .550 and you should be just fine with some room to grow.