Are these heads like some new revolutionary design or something..... i cant figure them out.... how do these compare to an AFR or twisted wedge head? Im guessing the reason is because they flow in between a stock TPI head and an aftermarket head are relatively cheap..... cause if so, Scooney Dickens is full of $hit. If a stock TPI with vortech heads makes 375HP imagine what AFR heads or something would make.

 

Funny I've never herd of "Scooney Dickens" before. Now Scoggin's Dickey and I know he's got some good stuff goin' on!

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j.wolfe
_ ____ _
91 GTA L98
Best time: 14.389@95.49 (VMP)
"...Deception..." Brandon Sloan * ...wounds heal and chics dig scars...

 

They gotta be leaving something out. Yeah, I have no doubt it makes 370 HP with a stock TPI setup...with a blower!

Really, the Vortec heads are nothing more than a factory truck head that was designed partially after an aluminum LT1 Vette head. Just cast-iron heads that flow 230 cfm stock. They are used on 305's and 350's, both sets of heads are different, the 350 heads are superior between the two. The combustion chamber is heart shaped to promote swirl. Not a bad head as far as GM heads go, but it was not designed to compete with aftermarket heads. If you're building a mild 350+HP 350 or something, don't mind cast iron, and want to keep in cheap, I'd say go for it and use 'em, I have nothing but good experience with the heads. But for max effort smallblocks, unless you're a porting wizard (not much to port on Vortec heads), I'd recommend starting out with a set of AFR 190's or TFS 23* heads, since they flow more and have a higher flow potential, and are lighter.

Supposedly the Vortec TPI base was made to be a cheaper alternative to aftermarket sluminum heads, but for $400, it's too much, especially considering the 1 1/2 year wait. Best if you can find a used set of Vortec heads, like the ported ones I;m selling, and perhaps port match and modify a stock intake to fit.

 

I thought our TPI's wouldn't work with Vortec heads? I guess I was wrong. dunno

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See my Ride:
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=1324

 

they are talking about the new TPI base for the vortec heads. The 370HP is with the LT4 hot cam kit, exaust, and such.....

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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6

305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....

To be installed eventually far far far into the future: Yours if the price is right and I don't have to ship :
Hooker 1-5/8" 50 state legal headers, Dynomax 3" I pipe (PN 44063 and 43248), Catco 3" cat, and injector spacer.

Super GRK_Taz World
F-Body Dual Exaust
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz

 

The benefit of the Vortec heads is they are CHEEP, if you spend much more than $500 for a SET you are getting ripped off. NEW from the dealer is about $230 each or something. the 305 Heads are more expensive.

The vortec heads are an amazing head for what they are, yes they are STOCK, but if you ever drive a newer 97-99 305 Truck it will blow the doors off of my FORMULA, and I HAVE alot of mods too, the trick is in the heads.

ALOT of local race-cars are using the Vortec heads because of their price and their flow characteristics. I have a friend who loves to build HOT engines, he swears by the new Vortech heads. He had some big name aftermarket head that he yanked off his 350, and went to the Vortec head.

From the people that have used them I have NEVER heard any complaints about the STOCK vortec heads, the only mod that was recommended to me was better springs for the valves.

John



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87 Formula Yellow/Black

5.1 TPI Automatic
Baer 12" brakes 4 wheels, KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks & struts, Custom Leather interior, WAAAY TOO MANY MODS TO LIST

87 Formula TPI (5 Speed) Yellow/Gray STOCK

1967 Buick Riviera 430hp Turns high 14's (Not bad for 4300 lbs)

83 Camaro (Parts)
83 T/A (parts)

http://www.3rdgenformula.com

 

I pocket ported the set I have, along with a little polish work on the exhaust side. I have to admit, I have never built, or riden in a car that had aftermarket heads, but the Vortecs I have kicka$$. THe throttle response is exact. No hesitation, just instant forward motion. I know I can't get 500hp out of these heads, but I can't get 500 to hook up right now either. They are great heads for what they cost.



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Joshua Johnston
1991 Z-28


350, T-5, K&N, Ported Vortec heads, Edelbrock RPM, Holley 750 D.P., HEI, 11.07:1 CR, Comp Cams Roller-.510"/.520"-282*/288* dur., Shorty Headers, Dual 2.5 Exhaust,Dynomax Bullet Mufflers, T&R Motorsports custom air intake

 

The reason Vortec heads are so great is because they are inexpensive. They flow well for their port sizes and they have a great combustion chamber and induced swirl. Flow is not everything, burning the air/fuel charge as completely and quickly as possible is the ticket to great power. The Vortec heads have great flow, extremely clean combustion, great propogation of the flame front and they are worth twice what they cost. I have now seen 2 400 + H.P. motors using stock Vortecs. That's pretty impressive. Give them a slight port job on the exhaust and put in better springs and go Stang Hunting. Another thing is the aluminum versus Cast Iron. The truth is Cast Iron is a better head if you are not concerned about weight and you are not planning on doing any major porting. Cast Iron is better at retaining heat and therefore will make more power than an identical aluminum head. That is why racers use ceramic coatings on Piston Crowns and Combustion chambers, to retain the heat.

 

Flash, you are mostly correct on what you said with the exception of heat retention. You do not want to retain the heat in the head or piston, you want to reflect it into the combustion chamber. The ceramic coating will do this then cool off more quickly so as not to heat the incomming intake charge therefore reducing the tendency to preignite the fuel mixture. Aluminum heads have the ability to absorb heat but not nessesarally refect it back into the combustion chamber.

 

What new TPI base? Who makes it? Price? You guys have lost me.

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See my Ride:
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=1324

[This message has been edited by jobryan26 (edited August 28, 2001).]

 

Steve8586iroc, I guess I wasn't clear my meaning was that cast iron has a lower heat conductivity than aluminum does, therefore more of the heat stays in the combustion process and less is lost through conduction through the head. That translates into more energy being expended to force the piston down. More force, more power. The thermal barrier coatings are there to do the same thing. Also the use of a thermal barrier coating on the inside of the exhaust port is supposed to be very benificial, though I've never seen it done.

 

The new TPI base is from Scoggin Dickey Parts Center for $399.