i was lookin at the for my 5.7 tpi r they a good mod for the $$ i was pondering doin them with edelbrock headers. on my other wise stock motor, any one out there using them and which ones would bolt right up to my TPI? what is a good source for info on them??part numbers, prices?
thanks ed

 

The vortec's I put on my 383 perform exactly as I wanted for my motor's setup in that I was building for high port velocity and strong low-end torque. My motor feels like a big-block off idle to around 4K rpm. On the other hand, for the same money you'll end up spending, the TFS 23 degree heads look hard to beat for the bucks and much easier to install. If I had it to do over, I'm not sure I wouldn't have went that route.

For vortec heads you'll need to buy Scoggin-Dickey's new TPI base manifold which is rumored to be ready for production about now but it'll set you back over $400. Except for this one, there is NO off the shelf TPI base manifold that will work properly. Also stock vortecs are limited to around .480" lift max and need self-aligning rockers. The vortecs do not have internal EGR passages so you need to hook up an external connection to the exhaust manifold to keep the EGR functional.

If you feel ambitious you can heavily modify your stock base to match the vortec's port and bolt pattern (which is what I did) but you really need to be friendly with a machine shop to make this option cost effective . All the expert advice I received when doing this was NOT to drill the heads for the old style (12 bolt) intake manifold pattern.

I bought the Scoggin-dickey "performance" heads that are remanufactured with screw in studs, Fierra valves, machined guides and springs good to .550" lift. They were $600 a pair and excellent quality. I notice Scoggin-dickey no longer sponsors the thirdgen board (they never answered their questions anyway!) but you can find their specs and prices at www.sdpc2000.com Ebay is also a good source for take-off vortecs (make sure they are from the "L31" engine code).


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'88 IROC that looks suspiciously like a Jeep.
It's like a 3rd-gen with the aerodynamics of a brick but that'll go about anywhere!
Engine: 383 TPI, Vortec heads, ported plenum, runners, and highly modified base. 1.5:1 roller rockers, comp X4258HR cam.