Looking at some 062 casting # Vortec heads for a possible 350 rebuild.

Will these heads work on a 1987 TPI setup ?

I ask this since I'm not sure what years GM changed / modified the head intake surface angles.

All help is greatly appreciated.

 

Not with the stock tpi intake

Someone sells a tpi intake for vortec heads I beleieve

 

'87 was the year they changed the angle of the center two intake base mount bolts on each side. But, that's not the issue with 062 castings - the intake ports moved, and the mount bolts are completely different.

But, all is not lost. Edelbrock has a Vortec TPI base that was developed in cooperation with Scoggin-Dickey. About $450, if memory serves. Basically the Edelbrock base with Vortec port/bolt pattern. They wanted something for people to bolt onto the HO350 330 horse crate engine. They discovered power took a major hit, below 300 HP, so they started tweaking it. In order to get it above the 330 horse level the carb'd crate engine produced with TPI, they had to upgrade the valve springs and go with an LT4 Hot Cam with 1.6 rockers. That got them up to 360 HP - with aftermarket runners, 52mm TB, 1-7/8" long tube headers. They didn't mention ECM tuning, but I have little doubt they had to do some to get to that power level.

Oh, those runners will cost you another $400 or so. I'm not convinced the 52mm TB makes much difference, if any.

I would think the Holley/Weiand Stealth Ram would be a better option. Comes in a Vortec version. About $400 last I checked. More power potential, if that's your goal.

 

Can't add too much to 57kid's input there...

The intake on LB9 is perfect for stock configuration.

L98 intake is designed on intake flow characteristics of LB9, and is the flow bottleneck in intake / exhaust on L98. Low end is good, but it runs out of air top end.

Just a little info FYI...

 

Sorry but I've been out of the TPI loop for quite a while...

LB9, L98 ???? no idea what you're talking about...

@ five7kid = What you're saying is the 062 vortecs will work on the Weiand Stealth Ram, correct.

As for HP, I'd just like to build my son a nice little 300-325 hp motor. If he wants more he can take it from there... lol !!

 

LB9 is IROC 305 TPI; L98 is 350 TPI - some IROC's, early C4 vettes. Similar motor...

 

As noted , EFI choices for Vortec heads are limited ; the relatively expensive SDPC Vortec base to take stock TPI components
or the HSR which has far better potential on bang for buck basis.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/alte...gal-whats.html

Vortec version
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-7542/

Cheaper fuel rails ( not included with the intake )
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/alte...tive-fuel.html

 

Okay.... I'm thinking things are going a little off track here....

The GTA has a 305 in it now that has a ton of miles on it. It has a lifter OR cam lobe going bad. I'd like to build a nice 300-325 hp motor for my son. Thus block, crank, pistons and cam I can find fairly cheap and easy. I just need some head recommendations for the TPI OR possibly the Stealth Ram.

Or may I should just scap all fuel injection, slap a gas pressure regulator on the supply line from the tank and just go with a nice Holley carb.....

 

Your call , budget based.
There is a off the shelf performance intake (HSR ) that will fit the Vortec head or SBC heads and is a better bang for $$ than a modified TPI intake.
Vortec heads have the benefit of being common and cheap as well as excellent performers .
$100 worth of new valve springs allows you to overcome the .470 valve lift limitation of the heads

 

It started with your mention of 062 heads - Vortec. That usually means you're looking for a good step up in power.

Vortec heads with springs to handle the cam you put in, a bit of an upgrade cam, 350, Steath Ram (yes, they make both "regular" and "Vortec" versions), good exhaust, 325 gross flywheel HP is is relatively mild build.

I don't like hearing talk like that, as I see it as "giving up" when we're talking about a street engine. $200 for a Vortec intake, $450-$500 for a decent carb, $150 for distributor/coil, $100 for fuel pressure regulator and associated fittings, and some pocket change for the nickle and dime stuff, and you can have it running. You'll have to do some carb tuning. But, it'll never quite live up to EFI for a "driver".

 

Okay then... Can I reuse the fuel rail from the TPI setup on the Stealth Ram ?

 

No
but you don't need to use the Holley ones either
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/alte...tive-fuel.html

All your HSR questions answered here

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/alte...gal-whats.html

 

So the only good heads out there for cheap are the Vortec's ???

 

yes

 

Okay....... then how about some casting number recommendations.....