Sorry if this has been asked a bunch of times, but I am having trouble finding any info. Does any company make a good set of heads that flow similar or better than vortec heads, but don't require an expensive intake? Maybe even some dyno numbers? All the info I find is vortec related, or just that Edelbrock makes heads for them, but I don't know how good those are.

 

Vortec is just the cheap budget route. Just about every name brand alum. head out there will out flow the vortec heads.
Brodix IK 180
Dart pro 1
Pro filer heads
Edelbrock
AFR

Now the question is... What are you putting it on? Some info on year, engine, induction system might be helpful to help pick the right head

 

Check out the jegs SBC heads.

 

Vortec intakes aren't that expensive, especially if you don't care about emissions, but what you save on heads will more than cover the intake.

 

Vortecs are great for the money, and they're pretty darn good at low lift too, but.....I agree that any reputable aftermarket aluminum head will probably out perform them. Go to the manufacturer's website. You can normally find flow numbers. ...or just google "x" brand head flow numbers.

I've heard good things about Jegs alum heads too....for the money of course.

...and I chose RHS heads for my build. Price was competitive...not cheap....but similar to most the other players. ...and in my opinion, looking over the numbers, they were the best down low, and out of the box, only the AFR's and Profilers out flowed em up high. I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the product out of the box.

 

The jegs are supposedly profilers. Just don't get the small spring version

 

I have a 89 3/4 ton 4x4 TBI 350.

 

I take it you are wanting to keep TBI? Sounds like the perfect setup for vortec heads really.

You are talking about not wanting vortecs cause of an expensive intake, but then asking about aftermarket heads. You do understand the aftermarket heads will start at $1,000 correct?

Here is how you get a good cheap vortec TBI intake
$140 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pf...make/chevrolet
$44 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/trd-2208

Then go find you a used set of vortec heads for $175-300
Fel pro 1094 head gaskets for $50
Fel pro MS98000T intake gasket set for $55

$600 or less and you have complete heads, intake, installed

 

I like the Summit brand Vortec heads. At ~$620 for the pair, they cost me more than junkyard heads, but they were new and fully assembled. By the time you buy the used heads, lap the valves and machine the heads for better springs, you're starting to get close to the same price, but you'll still have used heads. This, of course, would be on the higher end of "budget" upgrades, but still considerably cheaper than aluminum heads.

 

No reason to machine vortecs for better/bigger springs. You can get 1.25" springs that's good to .570" lift. IMHO if you are running a cam bigger than about .520" lift, then vortec heads are not what you really need/want.
The start to stall out on port flow around .490" lift or so and all done at .515"

I have ran many .480's/.510's lift cams on 1.25" springs and like I said that's about the cam lift that pairs with vortecs real well.

 

It is my understanding that the factory heads will only accommodate up to .420" lift without either machining the heads for aftermarket springs ($$$) or use beehive springs (also $$$).

 

No man, the correct answer is vortec heads are lift limted to around .460-.480" lift due to retainer to seal and guide clearance.

To fix this you have a few choices.
1) install beehive springs. No machining needed.
2) install +.050" locks.
3) have the valve guides machined down. This has nothing to do with machining for springs. Shop will charge about $75 to do both heads.
4) buy the tool from comp cams for $55 to cut the valve guides down your self.
5) pull retainers off and grind 3/32" off tge bottom of all of the retainers.

All above 5 ways will cure the retainer to guide clearance problem with vortec heads.

Then just drop on a set of 90# 1.25" z28 $20 valve springs and you are good to go

 

I didn't think the Vortecs were much cheaper than the rest I guess I was wrong. Would TBI really be able to run a cam that meets or exceeds the limits of the stock vortec heads?