im building a 350 i havent fully decided on what type of iduction i should use either carb or tpi. i think ill go with tpi, always wanted a tpi. but im trying to figure out what kind of heads i should use. i want something that is reasonably cheap, no modifying to fit and give me alot of bang.

 

Vortec's are a nice set from what I've seen. And I do believe they make a TPI intake for them too.
TPI is going to be fairly expensive, I'd guess, if you are converting from a TBI to TPI. Some of the other guys will chime in, I'm sure, who know all the details.
You also might try a search for TBI to TPI.
BTW, is this 350 a one piece rear main seal, or 2?

 

Vortec heads are nice, yes. However, the only TPI intake that fits them is sold through SDPC2000.com.

<A HREF="http://sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?action=prod_detail&catid=1460&pid=13740">Here is the baseplate.</A>

Keep the fact that it is $400 in mind. Now, ask yourself, does $400 justify the price of Vortec heads? (That is up to you). Now, as for direct fit, they are and they aren't. They bolt up to the blok no problem. However, you have to change over the intake as it does not take the standard SBC intake design. The Vortecs have raised runners and only 4 intake mounting holes per head, 8 total. Also, depending on what year you are working with to begin with, Vortec heads are centerbolt valve covers and require self aligning rocker arms. They can be made to accept non-SA by machining for screw in studs and guideplates. Scoggin Dickey sells Vortec heads that have upgraded springs (to handle .525" lift, which is another thing that plagues factory 'Tec heads) and they are machined for screw in studs and guide plates. It's like $600 for those. Now, add the intake. That's near $1000 to use Vortec heads and TPI. Ad some more money if you have to buy rockers and centerbolt valve covers. It quickly adds up. Vortec heads aren't such a budget piece with TPI now that you look into it.

Before going further, what cam do you want? What do you want out of the engine? Factory TPI is good for torque, but it chokes a healthy 350 by 5000 RPM. Another thing to keep in mind. There are aftermarket baseplates and runners than can be bought to increase the high-RPm air flow.

Out of curiousity, what engine do you have now? The 305 TBI in your info? And do you have emissions?

 

the engine i have now is a 305 tbi. the vortecs sound nice but you are right they are expensive. im trying to do this with spending alot of money. i dontk now what kind of seal the 350 is i was told it all depends on what kind of crank i put in. the only parts i have right now is the block and a core crank. im going to get a new crank. when i get more money. as for cams, i havent gotten there yet. still have a long way to go just trying to get all the knowledge i can before i start building.

 

I always thought the best idea would be to check out ebay for a set of good Dart heads. I always usually see a complete set of affordable ones on ebay or some classifieds for a decent price. I think they would perform equal if not better than the vortec heads. Also you will be able to have a better choice of intakes to choose from too without killing your pocket.

 

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...98/index3.html