3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

ive been doing some research on the vortec converion for TPIs.
i want to use AFR heads b/c ive heard nothing but good things about them.
but is it really worth it to go with the vortec over the L98.

the reason i ask is b/c AFRs castings are great for the L98.
the combustion cambers are basicly the same on the two heads
making the only dif. the runners.(the vortecs being taller and raised)
ooh and AFR says that the vortec will make power from idle to 5500, but i think with the after market runners i can go to about 6000rpm.
just looking for some imput.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

There are a few problems with the Vortec and AFR heads you need to be aware of, first.
The AFR heads are basically race heads that can be made street legal. They charge extra for that so by the time they're done your AFR heads cost about $2000. But they are great and they do flow the best.
Vortec heads require a special Vortec intake, I'm sure you know. They also require machining to handle lifts higher than about .460", as well as new valve springs. Lastly, they dont have an EGR passage in them, but you can hook up an external EGR like a Corvette.
I highly recommend Trick Flow heads instead. They flow only slightly less than AFRs for about $1300. And they dont have any of the problems I mentioned above.
Lastly, you arent going to get aftermarket TPI runners that will let you make peak horsepower at 6000 rpms. It just wont happen. Even a SuperRam peaks out at about 5500. I have siamesed SLP runners and I peak at 5100. You'll need a Holley StealthRam or TPIS MiniRam to get 6000 rpms.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

i sorry i didnt mean peak power just make power to about 6000.
AFR does have a street legal vortec head that sales for about 1300 as well. they flow 258cfms at .550. (which is the biggest im willing to go)
im just wondering if it worth spending the 400 bucks for the sbdc vortec base or just staying with the L98 and porting the stock base.

the trick flow heads, are you talking about the twist weg?
thanks for any imput

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

I looked at their website and I dont see any AFR heads that they show as being compatible with Vortecs. They list 180cc and 195cc street heads with regular intake ports. Where do you see vortec AFR's?

Why spend the money on upgraded better heads and then limit yourself with a stock base? Even ported to the max, the stock base flows less than a stock aftermarket base. Also, the aftermarket bases have extra material you can port them further for more flow. Its worth the money, as the stock base is the most restrictive part of stock TPI.
The trick flow heads I am referring to are the regular 23 degree heads, not the twisted wedge. The TW heads require special pistons, and I do not believe they are worth the extra cost.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

[quote=Kevin91Z]I looked at their website and I dont see any AFR heads that they show as being compatible with Vortecs. They list 180cc and 195cc street heads with regular intake ports. Where do you see vortec AFR's?

Why spend the money on upgraded better heads and then limit yourself with a stock base? Even ported to the max, the stock base flows less than a stock aftermarket base. Also, the aftermarket bases have extra material you can port them further for more flow. Its worth the money, as the stock base is the most restrictive part of stock TPI.

well, i have the AFR 2006 catalog. there under the 180cc group.i had to talk to a rep to find them.
i was unaware of the stock base being that restrictive thanks.
thanks again for the advice on the trick flow heads they are great for there price, but there intake/exhaust ratio is a little off. nothing a good cam chooce wouldnt fix.

But again my question stands. what is better the Votec or the L98 type head. gmhightechperformance did a build on a tpi and they chose the votec.

80Sierra

Personally I plan to go for a set of Aluminum L98 heads from a Vette. You can run higher compression, and they flow plenty well for a mild TPI engine. Cheap compared to some of the aftermarket heads too, so for guys on a budget like myself, thats perfect

The biggest problem with the Vortec heads is that they are a pretty thin casting, and tend to crack at the first sign of overheating. That, and they need a special intake, which simply adds to the cost.

IROC315

iTrader: (9)

He says AFR makes vortec type heads. He's asking which are better afr L98 style or afr vortec style. He's not getting stock style vortecs.

Just trying to clear that up before this post goes any further.

Personally, I can't find the heads you speak of either on AFR's site.

D's89IROCZ

AFR vortec ? Never seem them yet. Also I think AFR has a new eliminator head out too. But thats probalby not what you mean.

80Sierra

Oh, assumed he was talking stock Vortecs, cause I've never heard of AFR Vortec style heads either, LOL -- Goes to show, should always read the whole post carefully rather than just skimming, LOL

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

it depends on the flow numbers.. low lift and peak numbers.. as well as the intake runner size. if those vortecs you speak of flow great and have good low lift flow numbers while maintaining a smaller sized runner, then go with them and the vortec base. vortec style heads make great power. they have a nice chamber design. stock vortec heads are greater flowing than any stock L98 head...aluminum or iron.

but it all depends on your plans.. how fast do you want to go.

either head would be fine for 350-400hp with the right intake and cam... scoggin dickey sells worked vortec heads that handle over 500 inch lift cams complete for like 500-600 bucks pair. those are a great deal

80Sierra

Its true that a Vortec head flows better than an L98 head, but you need to keep in mind the limitations of the TPI intake. Unless he is planning to upgrade to something that can flow more, it would be wasted money to buy heads that can outflow the intake. Best to match them as close as possible.

Mcdamit

True but at the same time.. he can have **** built but why in the hell would he pay those prices.. look in the price index.. for the heads...

iroctj

I have the eldbrk intake and runners, with lots of xtra porting to them including the upper intake w/ twim 58mm tb and 30lbs inj's, peak hp was at 6275rpm or 6300 for those who are confused. By the way, cam and heads play a big part(solid roller)!

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

what kind of hp does your motor make.
thanks to everyone for the info.
the AFR heads i speak off are great for low to med range the reg set sells for 1300 while the compition cnc goes for 2000. it is a lot but they make great flow numbers.
what kind of cfms does your set up flow.
in order for the setup to work the manifold must flow as well as the heads.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

if you go to the site look under the 180cc street heads then read the bio on the heads, its all the way at the bottom of the paragraph. it says vortec stye too.

thank you for the clarification.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

i was looking at the spdc parts vortec base. does anyone have hp numbers for the vortec setup

IROC315

iTrader: (9)

I just got a new AFR catolog in the mail. I see what you're talking about now. It still wouldn't justify buying that 400 dollar base in my opinion. lol

V8Rumble

iTrader: (2)

Care to expand on this a bit??

blackroc68

iTrader: (2)

You can go with edelbrock e-tec 200 heads!!!!!! It is a fairly decent head.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

do you know how they flow? thanks

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Edelbrock E-tec 200's
INT.
.050...32
.100...67
.200...122
.300...175
.400...223
.500...252
.600...259

EX.
.050...20
.100...57
.200...110
.300...153
.400...182
.500...196
.600...204

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

those numbers look good, just about as good as the AFR street ported head.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

I'm exaggerating on the prices as I dont know exactly what they are, but you'll see what I mean:

The heads start out as bare castings for $1300 or so. Then, CNC Porting is a couple hundred dollars or more, adding springs and valves is a couple hundred, adding the temp sensor holes is a few bucks, drilling the egr passage is a few bucks, drilling for centerbolt heads is another few bucks, milling them to get the combustion chamber size down from 70cc is another hundred or so. By the time you get done adding options to make them a street head, you're up to $2000 or more. Or you can get Trick Flow 23 degree heads for $1350 that flow only slightly less but cost $700 less.

That's what I meant. They're awesome race heads, but too expensive for street heads.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

The heads start out as bare castings for $1300 or so. Then, CNC Porting is a couple hundred dollars or more, adding springs and valves is a couple hundred, adding the temp sensor holes is a few bucks, drilling the egr passage is a few bucks, drilling for centerbolt heads is another few bucks, milling them to get the combustion chamber size down from 70cc is another hundred or so. By the time you get done adding options to make them a street head, you're up to $2000 or more. Or you can get Trick Flow 23 degree heads for $1350 that flow only slightly less but cost $700 less.

That's what I meant. They're awesome race heads, but too expensive for street heads.[/quote]

"not trying to start anything but," they do offer 180cc and 195cc heads that are street legal out off the box. in the street set they have fully cnc'd combustion,intake, and partialy cnc'd exhaust runners, and they come fully assmbled for $1370. in addition they have the comp set (which is still street legal) which is fully cnc'd and flow exceptionaly well for a street head, and come also fully assmembled for $2000.