I have an '84 L69 and I'm looking at getting new heads. I'm on a budget and I have a couple options:

I found some ported 305 heads with 1.94/1.5 valves. Not sure of the casting number. They have been sitting for a while and they now have surface rust but I have access to my schools machine shop so refinishing shouldn't be a problem.

Or I found some 305 vortec heads. Casting number is 059 so 1.84/1.5 valves. Off of a '97 p/u.

Question is whats the best bang for my buck? Vortec heads would require a new manifold and they have smaller valves so I'm guessing the ported 305 heads.

I was also looking to find a set of the good vortec heads (8062 I think). Could I use the LT1 cam without machining the heads? The stock LT1 lift is what like .450 and the heads can handle up to .475 stock right?

I've heard that a stock LT4 cam can be dropped into an otherwise stock 305? So would the ported 305 heads with a stock LT4 cam be a good setup?

car is '84 Z28
305 HO
headers and exhaust work, otherwise stock
700R
3.73 gears

Thanks for any help. If I had more time I'd introduce my project and my goals. Will do later

 

At your power level the (negligibly) larger valves on the "ported 305 heads" arent going to result in any significant performance gains. The vortec heads, while not the popular 350 variant, will yield significantly better performance. This is of course assuming the "ported 305 heads" just have a mild port/valve job.

-Z

 

the heads that are 1.94 and 1.5 are probably 601 heads. they are 53 cc, and will give you a good compression boost.
the Vortec heads will probably not fit.
up to 86 the heads were 12 bolt with the bolts at 90 degrees to the intake.
from 87 up to 92 they were 12 bolt but the cneter 4 intake bolts were at 72 degrees.
once they went to vortec heads, they were 8 bolt with no center bolts at all.
you need to know what ones you have.
the true vortec heads should be 8 bolt - 4 on each side.
want to go fast, use the zz4 cam with those 601's, heavy duty springs, 1.6 rockers for intake and 1.5 for exhaust and you will be a happy boy.