I checked out Summit, and they've got two pairs of Vortec heads. The regular Vortec, and the ZZ5 Vortecs. From what I can see, they are both the same except the ZZ5 heads have screw in studs, and can accept a higher lift, (.550 ZZ5, and .475 plain). The funny thing is the price difference is $110 more for the ZZ5. Is it worth the extra cash? Both heads have 170cc runners, 194 intake and 150 exhaust, but the springs are also different. I'm still not sure what cam to go with, but I'll obviously match the springs to the cam. But my main concern is the lift. I want to go with some 1.6 roller rockers, so I can increase the lift, but not change duration. But I was thinking more around the size of .480-.510. But, like I said, I haven't decided on the cam yet.

Opinions???????..............





Also, I live in CA. so are they smog legal? One last thing, do they bolt right up to my intake?

 

for $110 more it's worth the it. I paid over $300CDN to install screw-in studs, better springs and lap the valves(my heads were used)

I would do it.

 

YES!

 

I coul pull the studs, and tap for screw-ins myself, but the machining for the extra lift is all that I was thinking about.

 

Hello
it is my understanding that the vortec heads have a thin spots where you need to machine to put larger springs in, so real high seat preasurs have been known to but the head from what I have heard. I would pay the 110 to have them done. just my 2 cents
GB

rick king

 

I'm not sure what they cost but Comp makes some conical springs that will let you increase the lift without haveing to machine the heads. Juat a thought.

Also, No they will not bolt up to your stock Tuned Port intake.
Vortec heads require a specific TPI intake,Scroggin Dickey makes one and I think somebody else,can't remember at this time.

 

Scoggin Dickey is the only one, but technically it's made by Edelbrock.

I've heard that it's not the best piece in the world. It requires porting, just to flow up to the Vortec's potential. That, and people have had to lots of cleaning up as far as some bolt holes matching up and so forth.(not sure of the specifics) I also think that you'll run into issues with larger aftermarket runners interfereing with some of the manifold bolts. Again, nothing that can't be fixed, but just know what you're getting into.

I think it's worth the price and perfromance of the Vortec heads though.

 

Oh, and have you looked into the Pro-Topline vortec heads?

 

What are Pro-Topline vortec heads? What are the difference?


So what ya'll are telling me is that the stock intake won't bolt up to Vortecs? I heard that they would, just a little port matching.

 

The vortecs won't bolt up, I have them on my 91 TPI. They accept an 8 bolt intake, as opposed to the classic 12 bolt. I've heard of some guys drilling the extra 4 holes, but I just went with the aftermarket intake.