sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this...Ok i have a 305 motor out of a 91 rs camaro and someone told me that it has E-tec heads. I was wondering and it might be a stupid qestion but what is the difference between E-tec and vortec heads because i can't find out any info on the net...any help i would be very greatful..thanks

 

Somebody told you wrong. E-Tec heads is the brand name for Edelbrock's version of Chevy's vortec heads that came on '96-'00 trucks. A 91 TBI engine has TBI heads. TBI engines in trucks have also been called vortec so that may be where the confusion is.

 

so what is the difference in TBI heads and vortec... my TBI heads have center bolt holes to

 

The vortec truck heads from '96-'00 have different intake bolt patterns. They have four bolts in each side that go in at a 90* angle. They also have a revised intake port shape that will not fit with standard SBC intake manifolds.

 

That being said, my 85 H.O. intake mani has 8 90 degree holes, but are you saying that even though i have the right bolt pattern to use my factory intake on vortec heads I may still not be able to use my manifold as the ports may not line up?

I am trying to figure out how i want to upgrade, if I can upgrade?, or what parts i need to change to keep my car smog legal. I learned how cheap new built aluminum 350 heads were only after porting and polishing my exhaust side & combustion chambers on both heads (416's). Its going to cost me about 500 in machine work anyways, whats another 100 or so for the aluminum upgrade is my attitude but i cannot find a real answer as to my solution???

Sorry to jump in like this but you guys really started in the right direction...

Also, can or cannot a 350 crank be substituted for my 305 crank? Maybe it would also need the pistons or not do-able while retaining reliability?

These cars are like adult lego's...

 

The good vortec heads require a vortec-specific intake manifold. The TBI engines that GM called Vortec, the hot rod world doesn't call Vortec. We call them TBI, LO3, LO5, or junk.
To do the good iron Vortec or the aluminum E-Tec heads legally is theoretically possible. It'll require the costly GM intake with provisions for EGR. Mine cost me $263, and that was 4 years ago. It functions exactly like the ZZ4 intake, only this one fits the good heads and external EGR.
An easier approach would be the 175cc heads from Trick Flow Specialties, sold through www.summitracing.com These are aluminum, and are intended for 305s, but will do as well on a 350 or a 383 as the Vortecs. This allows you to use your choice of the following, cheaper, intake manifolds and still be emissions legal without having to figure out an external EGR. The intakes, in no particular order, are: Weiand 8000, GM ZZ4, stock 1985, Edelbrock Preformer EGR #3701. The Weiand has the E.O. number cast right onto the front of it, leaving no question about it's legality.
As for the 350 crank, why? Same stroke as yours, same material, but wrong balance. your crank is not an issue unless you add nitrous or turbocharging, and even then, your pistons are the weak link. Better to just do a 350 or 383, and then no need to stress about the heads, you have way more great choices.