I have about $900 to spend on my motor on heads and a intake(TPI). I don't know if I should buy a set of Vortec( I am getting a good deal locally) and wait for the vortec intake (I hope this month) or get a set of Alum Heads like TFS or Canfields( don't have the money for AFR's) and port my stock intake(siamesing). I have just rebuilt my motor. It's 357ci,10.3cr(64cc), LT4 Hot cam, I siamesing my plenum and ported my SLP runners .I have a 10" lock up converter,3.23 gears,1 5/8 headers.

What combo do you think I would be better with?

Thanks

[This message has been edited by The Man (edited September 03, 2001).]

 

The Man,

I would port the manifold, runners, and plenum and go for the aluminum TFS or you can always port your stock heads to AFR specs(assuming its a L98). Just my $.02

Later,
87Irocz

 

Buy the Vortecs and intake. You can port until the walls are so thin you can see through them and they can't touch an aftermarket base.

 

I would buy the aluminum heads dont waste your money on the vortecs. Think about it this way you can always buy a manifold and you will already have really good heads. Instead losing the money your paying for the votecs when you want better heads. ok look

vortecs- $525
Manifold-Bigmouth $475
when you relize you can make alot more power with better heads.
Aluminum heads-$900
total-$1800

Aluminum heads-$900
When you get the cash for the maifold
maifold-$475
total-$1375

Save the cash

Later,
87Irocz

 

I don't plan on doing anything thing else to my 92Z28 except some better heads. I am build a bad *** toy with my 85 Iroc. I would like some more power to keep up or pass those damn LS1's. I am getting tired of beating bad out of the hole and then they start realing me in like a ZEBCO at the other end.
I can get a set of of vortecs for about $500 complete with new valves(larger),bigger springs and retainers. I thinking the best bang for the buck is the vortecs/intake than just a better set of heads/stock intake..
I would like some more opinions though.

Thanks
keep it coming

 

I don't know why some people keep pissing on the vortec heads, they're good heads and they make good power. If you decide later you do want some heads to really up the power you can go with either Fast Burns or E-Tecs.

 

Man, is this ever a Hot Topic.

Best thing to do is to completely evaluate the two 'styles' of heads, then make a decision.

It depends a LOT on what you expect your end result to be. Check out the flow numbers posted of all the heads and compare. There's a site that has them, taken from
GM High Tech Performance mag. They were flowed by a bunch of college students and extreme measures were taken to make sure the flow data was fair to all the contestants.

Remember too that the Vortec heads will need a spring change to accomodate high lift cams. If I remember, they port stall pretty low too. That's not always bad if you want to make all your power down low, but if you plan to spin her up with a thumper cam, well it's something that you MUST consider.

I'm guessing that it's the initial price that has most guys looking at the Vortecs, and it is attractive. But remember you've got to figure on springs and an intake to set it up correctly.

Some guys elongate the bolt holes of their manifold to allow it to fit (a better choice of words would be "bolt on"), but I believe the port match up is then way off since I believe the Vortecs have a taller intake port.

There are a lot of variables to consider here, like valve train interchangability, will the exhaust bolt up, will the plugs clear the exhaust, etc.

You've REALLY got to do your home work when making a big decision on which heads to buy. The crucial thing is to be brutally honest in deciding on the engine's intended use.

Bigger ain't always better.

Just my thoughts.

Jake

------------------
1986 Corvette Coupe, 415 CID, Edelbrock 6073s, ZZ9

 

If I had the money right now it would be some real aftermarket heads.

 

I agree on the springs. The deal I would be getting would be for a completely machined Vortec head with my springs,retainers and locks(LT4 Hot Cam) swappped over. He is going to install larger valves in them and do some bowl work. Yes, I know alot of people have said doing any mods like larger valves, porting will ruin a set of Vortecs, My machinist, went to school at SAM and has talked to Jud. Jud told him that there was a certain angle valve job that really wakes up a set of Vortecs with larger than stock size valves. They have had very good results with them. I am still weighing my options though.

Lets here some more.