I have recently discovered a coolant leak between the cylinder head and the engine block deck. I currently have TBI swirl pot heads (14102193) which I know are not so favorable. I might have an occasion to buy a set of vette 350 tpi aluminum heads.

Are there any gains in doing so?

 

I would say yes. From what I have read those swirl ports really stink. Since you have to pull the head off anyway I would pick those up. I know the later model TPI's got a better cylinder head so I think it will be worth the $$ spent.

 

Thats what everyone says about these heads!!

 

I would not expect a big power gain until over 4,500 rpm.

 

A few advantages, weight savings, ability to port for better flow-not much can be done with the 193's...I tried years ago, waste of time-, allows you to run higher CR, being Aluminum, without detonation. Also, I'm pretty sure the 193's were truck TBI heads only, IIRC, larger combustion chambers (I never CC'ed the ones I had), so the 62cc-give or take with the Al L98'swill be a good option to pick up some free power.

 

Are they free? The Corvette aluminum heads don't have a great reputation. It's open to debate if they're really a worthwhile upgrade. If the TBI heads are on a 350, it's probably worth doing, but keep in mind Vette heads have the pre-87 bolt pattern and no EGR ports, so you'll lose EGR and need to slot the center bolt holes of the intake.

 

They are far from free but living in Malta finding them readily available is appealing. Won’t post prices but i can say they are the price of a set of new Flo-tek heads from ebay (not sure if flo-tek are any good).

I will first try to re-torque the bolt and see if perhaps they came lose.

Also didnt know they are not center bolts. Re egr it doesnt bother me as I removed mine.

 

Also just an FYI if you have a serpentine belt setup the '113 Vette heads do not have the hole drilled for the one side ( forget but think it was the right side).
You can drill a hole like I did for mine and use a 3/8-16 bottoming tap to tap for the bolt but it's VERY hairy to drill. Not much material before you would break into the water jacket. At most you can only go .5-.600 of an inch deep ( sorry my mind does not think in mm ).
Other than that the '113 Vette heads are good you gain some compression due to the 58cc chambers and they have angled plugs that make changing plugs easier plus help with the power slightly.
In the center 2 bolts I welded mine and had them machined. If I had it to do over I would have slotted the intake holes and make tapered washers.

 

Mmm it seems like compatibility issues are cropping with every hour.

As I said will first try to see if the bolts need re torquing maybe the cylinder head gasket crushed a bit. Pity I still have to remove the headers to reach the outer bolts!!

 

Looking for cheap[ish] aftermarket heads. Does anyone have any experience with these?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F292071057911

I have standard -10cc dished pistons rated at 8.6:1 so I dont want to go crazy with small head Chambers.

 

It might be a good idea to ask specific questions about the valve material and face angles, as well as the springs.

 

True. They also seem a bit too cheap. Not even exhaust bosses.

 

junk dont even consider those
afr has an enforcer its a cheap head looks like the same knockoff...better parts in them. around a grand +-