Well im building a 350 that is going to run a carburetor that im going to swap into an iroc. My good friend has for sale some vortec heads for an outstanding price. The heads were drilled to be bolted up to a non vortec intake and the original bolt holes were plugged. The heads came off a short track stock car engine that ran fast and the heads are fine. I was wondering though will i have a problem with the heads if i buy them for my engine which will be run on the streets, because i heard that that vortec heads dont flow correctly without the vortec intake.


Any insight will help thanks!

 

I'd pass on those heads. You can be certain they used a different intake manifold on the circle track than you would want to use on the street.

Start with the "right stuff", and you'll be a lot happier in the long run.

 

Thank you for the advice, the reason i was strongly looking into them was because they flow pretty good and i could have gotten them for under $300, do you have any suggestions for another head quite possibly something under $400 maybe $450

 

To buy new, L31 Vortecs in stock trim are still probably the best bang for the buck at $310 each from GMPP. Even with their limited valve lift capability and weaker springs (.450" max lift +/-) they'll still provide enough support for 1 hp/ci. From personal experience, they got my 3700 lb IROC into the mid 13's. Not stellar, but satisfying at the time. Since then, I've upgraded to screw studs, bee-hive springs, cut for positive seals and had the mods done for 1.6 ratio rockers. At that point they weren't the most economical choice anymore, but still serve their purpose.
Buying used, there are plenty of good deals if you shop around but it's always buyer beware. $450 for a pair of quality used heads might be a stretch though.

Found these on Craigslist.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/2277985586.html

 

Need a raised port SBC intake (12 bolt ) to match the higher Vortec ports


Regular SBC intake on Vortec heads doesn't seal as shown

 

if youre trying to build a affordable TPI motor stay away from vortec stuff its not compatible

 

I would pass on those heads unless your getting a streetable intake with them. Also note that most circle track engines while racing never drop below 2500-3000 rpm and have cams, intakes and cyl head port work done to work at upper rpms. soo you may end up getting heads that will kill your low end torque witch will kill your stop light to stop light grunt.