350 chevy small block question

[64nailhead]

I have not looked at the vortex heads. I will when things settle down, working the weekend and daughter has a softball tourney all weekend.
yes it was $700 for the camelbacks, I have them but haven't paid for them yet. they have all the parts minus the rods.
Sorry for all the questions and what not, I just get flustered when it comes to all these numbers. I honestly have no idea what most of them mean and I don't wanna purchase something that wont be compatible.
ill go ahead and look at your suggestions, thanks again.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-151124

These are one example of an aftermarket Vortec heads (there are many decent offerings available). There are reasons to use an aftermarket, but for some an original set of Vortecs is all that is needed. The originals are lift limited, but include press in rocker studs.

Don't get flustered. You need to come up with a plan that fits with how you want to use the car/motor. Your original issue has mushroomed from needing a head repair to buying new heads and possibly intake. Before long someone, possibly myself, will mention swapping cams and grabbing a set of headers. You still have the option of just fixing your current head and the figuring out why it happenned so that it doesn't occur again.

Good luck.

 

[565bbchevy]

but include press in rocker studs.

I think you meant to say screw in studs on the Summit heads..

 

[64nailhead]

I think you meant to say screw in studs on the Summit heads..

I was referencing the 060 heads https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/12558060/10002/-1 that include press in studs. These Jegs heads: https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/514080/10002/-1 include screw in studs.

There are so many variants of these heads that it can become overwhelming and confusing. I understand how the OP can see the same.

 

[565bbchevy]

The only thing that might be an issue running the Vortecs is they have a 64cc combustion chamber and I believe his current heads are 75cc so these would add over a full point of compression.

 

[TURNA]

Pull the head, inspect it.
If good drill and tap it and use screw in studs

 

[565bbchevy]

Pull the head, inspect it.
If good drill and tap it and use screw in studs

I think I am going to have to agree since there are no specs to go off for the engine sticking with the heads that were on there might be the best and safest route to go and maybe upgrade to some roller rockers in the process.
Intake, pushrods, cam and lifters can all be reused (as long as the lifters were kept in order).

 

[pontiacgp]

If the engine is 20 years old since the last rebuild I'd be opening it up to see what condition the cylinder walls, rings and bearings etc are in

 

[fleming442]

cam and lifters can all be reused (as long as the lifters were kept in order).

Why even take them out?

 

[565bbchevy]

Why even take them out?

I would pull them out to at least look at the wear pattern and see if any are dished and since he already has the heads and pushrods removed why not.

 

[64nailhead]

Why even take them out?

He already did - it's in previous photos a few pages back.