Favorite 350 Heads for 1996 LT1?

[arlowf]

So we are at a standstill finding/choosing new heads for my 350.

First inclination is to go with some used vortec heads, and hit a machine shop with them. That'll run around $500 bucks total.
Second is to pick one the numerous options/brands from Jegs or summit; ranging $600-$1400 for a set.

Anyone picked a good set of heads for a 4brl edelbrock carbureted 5.7L Gen1?

I am overwhelmed with options. We are throwing a mild $200 summit cam in there and likely getting a Vortec edelbrock intake manifold.

I just need some heads that put out a ton of HP over the turds that came on this non-vortec 1996 350 engine from a 2500 truck. This engine only puts out 200HP with these stock heads. Budget is $1000 for a pair.


Here's an example of a pair I'm looking at:

2 NEW GM CHEVY PERFORMANCE 302 350 906 STRAIGHT PLUG IRON VORTEC CYLINDER HEADS | eBay

THESE HEADS ARE SOLD AS A PAIR. WE DEAL WITH ALL MAKE AND MODEL CYLINDER HEADS. HEADS ARE ASSEMBLED WITH NEW VALVE SEALS. STRAIGHT PLUG. HEADS ARE READY RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. YOU NEVER HAVE TO WORRY WE CAN ALWAYS IDENTIFY OUR PRODUCT.

www.ebay.com

 

[Streetbu]

If your not using a massive cam, just get Vortecs, swap the springs and retainers and be done with it. Huge improvement over any other factory casting.

 

[arlowf]

If your not using a massive cam, just get Vortecs, swap the springs and retainers and be done with it. Huge improvement over any other factory casting.

That's what I was hoping to hear!

Not being lazy but there are a ton of vortec heads on summit and jegs. Any specific ones you recommend?

 

[Streetbu]

Having run them myself before, I would get a used set. Most u pull it yards only charge $40/head. $57 for the springs, and $120 for the retainers and you're done. That's what I did at least....

 

[arlowf]

I can get used ones off marketplace but pullapart yards are stripped these days (at least in TN). But okay, I'll just go with some cheap used ones and have them cleaned up at a machine shop.

Having run them myself before, I would get a used set. Most u pull it yards only charge $40/head. $57 for the springs, and $120 for the retainers and you're done. That's what I did at least....

 

[stuckincincy]

Are you building an LT1 or Vortec (classic) engine? Standard heads won't work on a LT engine.

 

[arlowf]

Are you building an LT1 or Vortec (classic) engine? Standard heads won't work on a LT engine.

Good question. It's an engine from 1996. Out of a 2500. He keeps saying vortec heads will fit on all first gen blocks.

His exact words:
" like I said earlier all gen one small blocks are the same from 55 all the way up to 02 heads will interchange all but the LT1 engines"

He's a smart guy and knows what he's talking about, I just don't.

 

[stuckincincy]

If it came from a truck it's a gen 1. Gen 2 LT's came from Corvettes, Camaros and Capices/Impalas.

 

[arlowf]

Aren't the heads I want these? I don't understand why some vortec heads are 500-900 a piece and these are 360 a piece.

Summit Racing SUM-151124 Summit Racing™ Vortec Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Vortec Cylinder Heads with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Cylinder Heads at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

If it came from a truck it's a gen 1. Gen 2 LT's came from Corvettes, Camaros and Capices/Impalas

 

[Supercharged111]

Having run them myself before, I would get a used set. Most u pull it yards only charge $40/head. $57 for the springs, and $120 for the retainers and you're done. That's what I did at least....

Got a link to those springs? I assume you're talking LS6 springs, they're over $70 last I checked.