Crypto_420

I have a 1988 Iroc Z/28 with a 305. The guy I bought it off of ripped out the TBI/TPI crap and installed a Holley Carburator. I have an offer of buying Vortec heads off a 1989 350. I have a Weiand X-celerator intake, will the intake work with the heads??
Would this be worth it, Heads are $150.


Im building a 406 small block, I plan on using a Victor Jr. intake on it, & I planned on using Dart Iron heads but would these heads fit this intake as well? I read a review saying they can make some power if you port n polished them up

I know I will have to do port work due to cam size and rods

Dewey316

vortec heads need a manifold specificly for them. they are diffrent that standard SBC stuff.

other than that, yes they can make good power, if you are installing on a 305, you will want to have them milled, to get a 58cc chamber.

Crypto_420

if i was to get the intake and heads, could i still use my carb or would i have to go back to TBI/TPI crap.

And which would make more power

Weiand X-celerator intake, Holley 600/650(I dont Know),
stock heads, Headman shorty headers

Vortec Heads & intake, Holley 600/650
Headman shorty Headers

I plan on using Nos

Dewey316

what heads are you trying to compare to the vortecs?

and you can stay carb if you wanted. as for power numbers, this might be better suited in the general engine, or carb forums. But let me tell you this, the cam and heads will make a much more signifact inpact in you power out put, than comparing 2 aftermarket manifolds. you are probably talking a 10hp diffrence at most between intakes.

Crypto_420

The stock cast iron heads that are on the 88 IrocZ 305 motor

Im comparing stock head vs stock head(vortec)

Cam: 470/480lift (give or take)

Air_Adam

Vortec heads (the good ones you hear about anyway) did not come on '89-anything. They came out in the mid to late '90s.

82T/AHitchcock

He's right there. I am pretty sure that if they are on a 89 that they aren't vortec heads. And if you already have the intake and want to use vortec heads, you can have it drilled and tapped at a machine shop to match up with the heads. I actually am using vortec heads on the combo I'm putting together right now. They are much better than other GM stock heads, and almost as good as some of the aftermarket stuff (and much cheaper) . The set I have I bought brand new for $400 bucks (about 2 years ago), so they aren't to expensive, but I don't know how much they have went up since then. They work really well on a street strip combo, and yes you can stick with the carb no problem, thats what I am running right now. On the old combo I was running with the vortec heads I was running 8.20's in the eighth mile NA, and well into the 7's on laughing gas. Now I am in the process of making my 350 into a 383 stroker and upping the compression on it and see if I can make a little more power with it.

Stekman

Vortec as we know them came around in 96. If it's before that, it's probably some 350 TBI truck head or something. Probably falls into line of "pay to take from my yard as they are of no worth to me."

Port matching and drilling a Vortec intake for non-vortec heads or vice versa is 9 times out of 10, not worth the effort.

Crypto_420

I wounder how much it would cost to port the heads to my intake? About the heads coming from a early to mid 90s, its hard to say, all Iknow is the guy "claims" they are the Vortec heads and is on his 89 or even possible 88 IrocZ. Its possible that he pulled them off another motor but I dont really know the history behind it.

I have a Weiand X-Celerator intake by the way.

Stekman

Do you have the ability to do things yourself? I.e. die grinder? If so, get an assortment of carbides and you can gasket match easily. However, in most cases I have seen and heard of, the percentage of the flow increase is not had when gasket matching the intake. In fact, it is probably the last thing on the list, or very close to it, when it comes to increasing flow.

If they are true Vortecs (raised runners, 8 intake bolts-4 per side), then you will need a new intake. For the street, te X-celerator isn't the best choice anyway. I would opt for a good dual plane such as the Edelbrock RPM series or the Weiand Stealth intake. The RPM series is available in the Vortec intake port and bolt design, if it comes down to it.

Crypto_420

I got the intake from a friend for 50 bucks so i could not pass on that. Its single plan ...just for nitris 125-150 shot, but im using that on the 305. I plan on using a Dart or a Victor Jr. Intake for my 400 block


I dont have the tools to do the grinding at home, that would be badass if i did.. But I dont. I was just seeing if it would be worth getting that sence it was offered. It was like $150-$350 for Vortec heads, or the Vortec head + intake i think the guy said.
or $900+ of Dart Iron Eagles....

I dont know if I really would want to get the Vortec intake as well, I would prefer to use the stock 305 heads untill my 400 is ready. I dont really want to waste my money on the 305. I would like to get it up to par......No leeking or over heating, and running mid 13's in the 1/4