I used the search function and found out a couple things, but specifically, I want to know if the TPI system can be retained if I buy a set of Vortec (906) heads. I couldn't seem to find that specific answer besides you need the Scoggins Dicky adapter base, so sorry if this is stupid....

 

the bolt pattern for the intake manifold is different and you'll need a different chip more than likely.

 

there is a newish TPI base for vortec heads and it is around 450.00 pesos. I want one too, eventually, to run Fuel injection.

 

Vortec scoggin dickey/edelbrock baseplate manifold is your ONLY choice if you choose to retain TPI/superram.

Chip isnt 100% needed, the car will run/drive fine with stock chip, but it will not be ideal.

Vortecs dont need as much timing, and you will need the fuel/timing trims tweaked for optimum performance, but it isnt needed for the car to run.

 

Would it almost be fore cost effective to buy aftermarket aluminum heads that do not need the $400 adapter plate?... That seems like a waste.

 

All depends on your goals...and what parts you do/do not already have.

any aftermarket TPI baseplate manifold is expensive, no doubt.

a decent set of aftmkt heads are 1k+ and then another 300+ for intake manifold that will support the flow of those heads..

vortec TPI baseplate is 450 new, vortecs can be had for roughly 300 used,spring upgrade 120ish...

1300+ for alum head and TPI intake
870+ for vortec head and TPI intake

alot of it depends on your goals, and future goals.

Vortec's will support 400 rwhp, which is plenty for most, and unimaginable for most who have only driven stock 3rd gens.

Aftmkt alum heads dependant on which head you go with, will easily support 400+rwhp...with room to grow


My vortec headed 350" sbc with a holley stealthram is making 363rwhp and happily pulls to 6200rpm, same motor, with scoggin dickey TPI made 299rwhp, and revved to 4500 max.

 

Hmm. So that Scoggins Dickey lower intake manifold is also restrictive with the heads? Or did you Stealth Ram it because the TPI was restrictive. It sounds like the Vortec's will flow plenty and their Aluminum counterparts are just more money...

I would like to go N/A for awhile, then use a power adder. How much will the flowing dynamics of the head change when under boost? I think I couldn't go wrong going with Vortec heads and a Stealth Ram.

Also to take into consideration, I could ****** up set of Vortec's for $150 that are in (supposedly) good shape.

 

So lets add a new idea to this. I really want to keep the TPI setup, but carbureted seems so much easier. What would YOU do?

 

Personal choice. Power isn't the issue. The issue is one of easier starts, better mid range, and improved reliability.

And of course, budget.

 

For me, it comes down to two things. What do you want the car to do and how much do you want to spend? I like running carbed engines, they are fast and easy to dial in, and they can flow as much as any fuel injected set up at any RPM. As for heads there are so many options that almost everybody will tell you something different.

 

Not to revive a dead topic (even though its mine), but will the HSR bolt right up to a set of Vortec's with no adapter plate?

 

there are 2 versions of the hsr, the regular non vortec and vortec style so yes you can buy the vortec style and it will bolt right up

 

OooooOOOooo! Just figured out what I am going to do. Thank you!! Heads will be cheap if I can find used like mentioned before, and the HSR wont be too bad.

 

Some wery nice TPI options https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tpi/...5-tpi-car.html

 

Anyways!!

If only it were TPI...
I just honestly see the most sensible thing being to upgrade the intake manifold/plenum. Time and time again people make bigger numbers with a Stealth Ram, Super Ram, or Mini Ram allll day long.

As far as cylinder heads go, I am somewhat leaning towards this pair. Aluminum is stupid expensive, and the specs are better than stock Vortecs, let alone not needing to head to the machine shop. After I buy heads, and the intake, I will go cam shopping.

Jegs
http://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot-Perfor.../2151/10002/-1
Summit (Same Part Number, $70 cheaper...)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PAR-2151/



But! Looking a bit further into Patriot, they sell these Aluminum heads, with slightly larger exhaust runners for $100 more than the Jegs Cast Iron heads.
Assembled
185cc Intake, 64cc Exhaust
2.02 Intake Valve, 1.60 Exhaust
.575 Max lift....
Seems like a deal to me for $795/pair
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PAR-2169/