TPI Tuned Port Injection discussion and questions. LB9 and L98 tech, porting, tuning, and bolt-on aftermarket products.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-02-2007, 02:30 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
roguecoxnet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

What would be a good set of heads for my 350 TPI?

Mostly stock with ZZ4 Cam. My problem is its more expensive to get my stock L98 heads worked and honestly I don't trust the shops around here to do them. I've been looking on ebay at a set of Darteagle heads for around $400 but I really done know what I'm looking for. I want lowend torque and more HP so what would be a good set of heads.

I found these.... what do yu think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dart-...spagenameZWDVW
Old 12-02-2007, 09:00 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
formula_novice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 383 Stealth Ram
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 9 bolt Posi
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Go with 180cc heads... 215cc is too big for stock even w/ ZZ4 cam.

Plus, you will see more power if you upgrade the intake & runners AND get better flowing heads.

Do a search and see what others are running with similar setups.

Hope this helps.
Old 12-02-2007, 10:31 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

new vortecs are less than 700, modified vortec for higher lift cams from scoggin dickey is like 630$ new.
im sure u could find some and do the upgrade.

other than that u gotta look around, but be careful buying used heads bc they could be cracked or warped in which if they could not be fixed u will have wasted your money. new patriots are the same as vortecs but flow better in higher lift ranges are aluminum and i belive 800 brand new shipped to your door.
Old 12-03-2007, 07:23 AM
  #4  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
formula_novice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 383 Stealth Ram
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 9 bolt Posi
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Originally Posted by customblackbird
new vortecs are less than 700, modified vortec for higher lift cams from scoggin dickey is like 630$ new.
Very true. But keep in mind you will need a vortec intake and those run around $350+
Old 12-03-2007, 08:48 AM
  #5  
Senior Member

iTrader: (5)
 
KWIK84's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Midwest IL
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Alky 360
Transmission: TH400, Freakshow 9.5"
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.71
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

I believe there are some companies out there taking the basic vortec casting and drilling and tapping them for older style intakes, I can't remember who is doing this though, maybe someone can help out with the name...
Old 12-03-2007, 08:51 AM
  #6  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
formula_novice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 383 Stealth Ram
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 9 bolt Posi
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Originally Posted by KWIK84
I believe there are some companies out there taking the basic vortec casting and drilling and tapping them for older style intakes, I can't remember who is doing this though, maybe someone can help out with the name...
So you want to choke a good flowing set of new vortec heads with an older style intake???
Old 12-03-2007, 04:33 PM
  #7  
Junior Member

 
Cannon007's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 Z28
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: stock 10bolt with cover/3.73
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

you can get a good pair of aluminum heads assembled for that much, get 190cc ones too, look around for the aluminum ones
Old 12-03-2007, 09:48 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

iTrader: (5)
 
KWIK84's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Midwest IL
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Alky 360
Transmission: TH400, Freakshow 9.5"
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.71
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

The heads will already be in place though for updating the intake at a later date.
Old 12-03-2007, 09:56 PM
  #9  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

patriot heads for just under 800 seem to be the BEST deal BUT are 1206 gasket size and i dont think stock TPI bases can be matched to that large size...i know my old HSR cant be
Old 12-04-2007, 12:35 AM
  #10  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
Kevin91Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Orange, SoCal
Posts: 10,947
Received 21 Likes on 18 Posts
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Originally Posted by KWIK84
I believe there are some companies out there taking the basic vortec casting and drilling and tapping them for older style intakes, I can't remember who is doing this though, maybe someone can help out with the name...
As formula_novice started to say, Vortec heads also have different shaped intake ports as well as a different intake bolt pattern than stock TPI stuff. You need a specific Vortec intake so you dont have mismatched ports.
Old 12-04-2007, 05:45 AM
  #11  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

u can get the vortec bases for 400 i believe from scoggin dickey but im sure u could find one used for 200 or so.

newer castings with vortec style heads.... i stated it before PATRIOT FREEDOM SERIES, is based off the vortec head, combustion chamber etc, and i believe is drilled for both chevy and vortec style intakes.
i kno i got a pair of patriot performance 195cc aluminum heads for 860$ and they are tapped for both intakes as well as centerbolt/perimiter valve covers. Oh and they accept the 1205 felpro gasket... mines the 195cc and it takes the 1205. and my new style HSR does fit so im sure the smaller 180cc will fit as well.

another person who sells heads to look at is Larrys perforance, track pro aluminum 190cc heads fully assembled is 860$ i believe. could be wrong but i know there pretty cheap.
Old 12-04-2007, 09:52 AM
  #12  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Oh and they accept the 1205 felpro gasket... mines the 195cc and it takes the 1205. and my new style HSR does fit
are you sure? Everywhere i've seen these heads for sale say they must use 1206 gasket size??

how big are the ports
Old 12-04-2007, 05:40 PM
  #13  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

ummm i can tell u its within the ports of the 1205, i believe its 1.25x 2.125. this is me with a ruler lol so who knows, i posted the same question on a thread not to long ago and everyone said that the 1205 would fit fine, and since mine is the newer HSR it will also accept the 1206 bc it had material added. they said the 1206 is for larger heads like the 215cc etc. or ported HSR's and ported larger runner heads.
----------
i also read in my HSR instruction sheet that it uses a 1205 felpro gasket.

Last edited by customblackbird; 12-04-2007 at 05:42 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Old 12-04-2007, 06:50 PM
  #14  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

thats what i was wondering cuz i measured my intake and i have NO room for porting without material. my ports are roughly 2.0 x 1.2 and a felpro 1205 is like 2.09 x 1.28. 1206 is 2.21 x 1.31

i could widen my intake but never touch 2.1-2.2 inches tall

i wont be using traditional gaskets, i use liquid stuff called RIGHT STUFF...its awesome and seals very well so maybe i can squeeze the intake on those heads
Old 12-04-2007, 07:19 PM
  #15  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
alloy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 87 IROC-Z28
Engine: 305 TPI-New 355 on the engine stand
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Eaton posi-Soon a 9" Ford!
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

In case the question comes up, "Can I use my old intake with the vortec heads?" Here is your answer.

Old 12-04-2007, 11:19 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

yea thank god the HSR came out with an updated verson with alot more material around the runners to port that bad boy for the 1206.

vortec heads need vortec base plain and simple and alloys pic explains it for all the tards out there.
Old 12-05-2007, 09:52 AM
  #17  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

i thought it was mentioned here that the patriot heads are based off the vortecs? is this correct? does it have that intake port setup?
Old 12-05-2007, 10:23 AM
  #18  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (4)
 
Codename 47's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28
Engine: 400
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt Posi 3.73
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

I would be patient and try to find a used aluminum head. Maybe by the time you run across something you'd have a few more dollars saved up too. If you're going to spend 600, you might as well spend a bit more and get an aluminum head.
Old 12-05-2007, 12:59 PM
  #19  
Junior Member

 
MedVader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Richmond, TX
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 90 Formula hardtop
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T5
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Originally Posted by customblackbird
u can get the vortec bases for 400 i believe from scoggin dickey but im sure u could find one used for 200 or so.

newer castings with vortec style heads.... i stated it before PATRIOT FREEDOM SERIES, is based off the vortec head, combustion chamber etc, and i believe is drilled for both chevy and vortec style intakes.
i kno i got a pair of patriot performance 195cc aluminum heads for 860$ and they are tapped for both intakes as well as centerbolt/perimiter valve covers. Oh and they accept the 1205 felpro gasket... mines the 195cc and it takes the 1205. and my new style HSR does fit so im sure the smaller 180cc will fit as well.

another person who sells heads to look at is Larrys perforance, track pro aluminum 190cc heads fully assembled is 860$ i believe. could be wrong but i know there pretty cheap.

So Blackbird, are the aluminum Patriot heads a perfect fit for my Scoggin Dickey Vortec TPI base? I was going to go with these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/350-V...0411QQtcZphoto

It's an aftermarket casting of the stock Vortec head with some inprovements for durability. But if those Patriots work with a Vortec base then I might consider spending the money for the Patriots.

Last edited by MedVader; 12-05-2007 at 01:03 PM.
Old 12-05-2007, 01:09 PM
  #20  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
327_TPI_77_Maro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Charles County, Maryland
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 BMW M5
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Dart Eagles, new, are $400 EACH head. You can't get much of anything new under $700 assembled. $750+ is entry level for Dart Iron Eagles and World Sportsman IIs, fully assembled. If you go through Summit they start around $800+

Don't buy used heads off ebay, or even here, if you can help it. I got totally screwed over by a member on here (see my sig line) who sold me "like new" Sportman II heads that had valves bent like 1/2" and the seats were all collided with. The machine work to fix the heads brought the cost up past new, and they are still not as good as new.

There is nothing wrong with the 200cc Sportsman /Dart Iron heads on your engine. I run them on a little 327 and I did not lose any low end grunt. The thing just flat runs w/ 200cc Sportsmans and a roller cam.
Old 12-05-2007, 03:41 PM
  #21  
Member

 
fbodyguy86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Mlwaukee, WI
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 camaro rs
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

Originally Posted by Orr89RocZ
i wont be using traditional gaskets, i use liquid stuff called RIGHT STUFF...its awesome and seals very well so maybe i can squeeze the intake on those heads
would always recommenhd using real gaskets they seal much better and look a hell of a lot nicer than RTV ooozing out all over the place if it would be a good idea to use that then GM would have done it like that from the factory and saved a whole lot of money on manufacturing cost

just my
Old 12-05-2007, 03:43 PM
  #22  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
327_TPI_77_Maro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Charles County, Maryland
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 BMW M5
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

i wont be using traditional gaskets, i use liquid stuff called RIGHT STUFF...its awesome and seals very well so maybe i can squeeze the intake on those heads
Oh my god. This guy thinks he can make up the difference between vortecs and regular ports using RIGHT STUFF? Not to mention the huge port mismatch problem.

LOLOLOLOL. Make sure you add some baling wire while you're at it.

Occasionally a post comes along that just makes me smack myself in the head and wonder. Here's one of em.
Old 12-05-2007, 03:44 PM
  #23  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

i cant see how a real paper gasket would seal better than RIGHT STUFF... it fills everything and if done right, there is little oozing.
my local LTx/Lx1 shop been using it for awhile and they recommended it. i tried it and my HSR never leaked at all, and they were notorious for china wall/rear head seal leaking. My manifold never really matched well to the china wall and around the rear of the cylinder heads, but the RIGHT STUFF did the job well.

Oh my god. This guy thinks he can make up the difference between vortecs and regular ports using RIGHT STUFF? Not to mention the huge port mismatch problem
NOOOOO!! i meant 1206 port heads to my ported HSR. HSR intake to a 1206 leaves VERY little material left on top to cover the head port. NOT talkin about vortecs

still havent confirmed if the patriot heads are just aluminum vortec castings or not. if they are vortecs then obviously i cant run them
Old 12-05-2007, 04:01 PM
  #24  
Member

 
fbodyguy86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Mlwaukee, WI
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 camaro rs
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

soooo i have a bad head gasket on my neon should i just use that RIGHT STUFF and i wont have to worry bout it anymore that would be awesome instead of replacing the gasket every 50,000 miles i wouldnt have to to do it ever again AWESOME!!!!!
Old 12-05-2007, 05:27 PM
  #25  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

go ahead and knock the RIGHT STUFF....if you havent tried it i wouldnt type a response.

do a search you'll find many that use it with great success
Old 12-05-2007, 05:35 PM
  #26  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
327_TPI_77_Maro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Charles County, Maryland
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000 BMW M5
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

I have used the right stuff many, many times. But trying to mold it to cover up a 1/2" port mismatch between Vortecs and regular chevy intake is just plain stupid.

It's not the RIGHT STUFF that is the problem now, it's the user.

Last edited by 327_TPI_77_Maro; 12-05-2007 at 05:39 PM.
Old 12-05-2007, 06:40 PM
  #27  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

I have used the right stuff many, many times. But trying to mold it to cover up a 1/2" port mismatch between Vortecs and regular chevy intake is just plain stupid.
i totally agree....I never said i'm trying to cover that up nor have i recommended trying that

you guys are misreading what i'm saying. Again, go re read what i've said above

now back to topic.... ARE the PATRIOT heads a VORTEC intake port?

this is what i'm refering too
i stated it before PATRIOT FREEDOM SERIES, is based off the vortec head, combustion chamber etc, and i believe is drilled for both chevy and vortec style intakes.
i have not been able to confirm this from either patriot or online ebay sellers that this is a vortec head
Old 12-05-2007, 11:37 PM
  #28  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

lol patriot heads are tricky.... i kno they are based off the vortec head... basiaclly it is a copy but in aluminum and they fix all the lil problems. im not toally sure if they bolt up to both intakes the freedom series.... i kno for sure they accept center bolt/perimiter valve covers. im basing this off my Patriot performance 195cc aluminum heads that supposidly bolt up to both style intakes and both types of valve covers.... i bought mine from skips white performance. go to there ebay site and call them to find out the specs for sure.... im gona be running my patriots with the chevy style HSR.

i would have thought that patriot would be able to tell u lol.... thats weird.
Old 12-06-2007, 12:37 AM
  #29  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,775
Received 376 Likes on 304 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

i emailed patriot.. they dont have much info listed on their site. Also, i've seen skip white's page on ebay and read it a few times over, nothing mentioned of vortecs so i dont think its a vortec head, atleast not a vortec port head for vortec designed intakes
Old 12-06-2007, 05:41 PM
  #30  
Supreme Member
TGO - 10 Year Member
iTrader: (15)
 
customblackbird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: northern New Jersey
Posts: 4,655
Received 57 Likes on 40 Posts
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)

yea i remember that CHP did a test very recent id say last 6 months or so where they tested stock vortecs vs the new super cheap patriot freedom series... i think they used the same intake for both, i havent been able to find the article
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
specialized
TPI
27
06-18-2022 09:26 AM
Vintageracer
Camaros for Sale
12
01-10-2020 05:33 PM
fonzie85
Exterior Parts for Sale
39
03-16-2016 07:07 AM
camaro71633
Tech / General Engine
39
09-01-2015 10:24 AM
Navy8125
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
10
08-22-2015 07:13 PM



Quick Reply: Whats a good set of heads under $700 (350TPi)



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33 AM.