I have been searching and reading on here for the last two weeks pretty extensively, and I have a few questions about my build.

Between the block getting rebuild, and a full exhaust my budget is pretty strapped for this year. I have been looking at patriot vortec heads http://www.jegs.com/i/Patriot%20Perf...0002/-1?CT=999 I want regular vortec heads, but I will not be able to come up with the money for a stealth ram to work with the tpi, and vortec heads so I'm thinking just use the stock intake for now with the patriot heads.

So all in all my question is how are these heads for a base build, and someday upgrade with port job, and add the stealth ram at that time, I have read very mixed reviews on there flow, but this is just going to be a street/ weekend racer car so I don't need anything too crazy.
Thanks, Ben

 

If a mod would delete those other two topics I made that would be awesome. I just hit the wrong button. Thanks, Ben

 

What kind of car do you have?

Patriots seem to be ok for price. Depends on your power goals. However for a few hundred more you can get some really nice Vortecs, Darts, etc. Have you checked out this monster thread on patriots?
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...iot-heads.html

Are you looking to buy heads and a stealth ram intake together for install now? Is that reason for leaning towards patriots due to lower cost? What are your power goals for car? Not too far past stock and you have to think about upgrading or replacing many stock parts (rear end, transmission, fuel injectors, cam, etc). You will also need to properly tune ECU. Here is a neat thread about stealth ram.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/alte...gal-whats.html

Have you seen this article? Good one detailing install and results on a 355 Camaro with Trick Flow Heads and aftermarket cam.
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...roc/index.html

You could always buy stealth ram now and upgrade heads, ECU later. Sticking stealth ram on stock 350 will give it more hp in the upper rpms. Something you would feel.

 

Patriot heads will work fine. Just don't want to see you waste money to get something now. Heads, cam, intake and engine size need to be paired. Let me know what you end up getting.

 

HOLD ON SWATERBENNY. Is everybody not paying attention here? The guy wants VORTEC Patriot heads on his block with the stock intake. The stock intake will not sit on the heads because of the design. the intake bolts will not go in as they are supposed to because on the VORTEC heads, the bolt alignment is different. Just look at this picture. Notice the angle of the intake bolts. If you want VORTEC heads, then you'll need to get the Edlebrock Vortec Intake system.

 

Its not the ECU that needs tuning, rather the PROM. I agree. I read that mag last year (http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...roc/index.html). My bro n law has it as a matter of fact. Once the Holley Stealth Ram is installed, you'll feel the difference , but, there is room for tuning the PROM.
I dont think they sell the wiring harness adapter to convert the large 4 pin weather pack dizzy connector. I did a search and came up with no available part.

 

Didn't look hard enough

3rd Gen member S10Wildside sells them on his site $20
http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonn..._pigtails.aspx
He also has the small cap dist coil connector if you can't get one from a junkyard

 

Hi vetteoz. Well after searching under different terms, I actually did find it at a store on ebay. It actually has 3 different wire sets. The picture that you provided is just one. Here is what I found

Here is their site http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...d=120465645786

 

And another from TPI Parts on thier Ebay site

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Small...item53d8cb3ade

 

That is the whole point in getting these patriot heads over vortecs, these patriot heads are the vortec design, but are drilled out to accept either manifold, and either valve cover. I will pay maybe 200 more over a set of vortecs after machine work, but at the same time be able to use my stock manifold so, I can hopefully have the car going for next summer. Will respond to rest a little later. Thanks, Ben

 

Well I never heard of a vortec/stock bolt pattern cylinder head. Well then, if the Patriot heads support both designs in the heads itself, then go for it man. If it fits your budget and if it's what you want, then do it man. Remember that aluminum heads are about 50 lbs lighter, but can warp IF the engine overheats (usually well over 250*). If you chose to go the aluminum route, get a fail-safe thermostat from AZ. Its less than $25 bucks for a 190*. Now with the iron heads, well they are strong and HEAVY but they are also prone to cracking (especially inbetween the middle exaust ports). So both have theyre pros and cons. The pic below shows the location of the usuall cracking due to the middle exaust ports being close together.

 

Pricing looks a little excessive
Unless you want to use a OE style dual connector coil you don't need the fancy coil connector.
You can just buy the $12 plug / pigtail and wire to any regular aftermarket coil with two screw terminals like a MSD Blaster II

 

I agree with you vettoez. I was thinking about changing my large cap for a 87 small cap but I really dont have the money so Ill just stick with the large cap for now. Well lets turn over this thread back to swaterbenny shall we?