Are vortec heads worth it?

[79cutlasssalon442]

So, i live in upstate ny and bought 062 vortecs off a crate motor with supposed 500 miles on them. And it looks like less miles than that. They're real clean. Were they worth the $300 i paid for without the valve covers or rockers? And how much power will they make over my stock 883 heads on my 350?

 

[79cutlasssalon442]

Forgot to mention. They are in new jersey so its a six hr drive one way for them

 

[jacobdavis1979]

I think vortec vs standard I think its like 10-40 hp gain depending on your application. If there good heads no I don't think you got screwed I think you got a good deal. To me it all depends on your preffence more than anything like I don't like the look of centerbolt valve covers but you might.

But if what you say is accurate I think you got a good deal on em.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

To me it all depends on your preffence more than anything like I don't like the look of centerbolt valve covers but you might.

I wouldnt base anything off of what it looks like here. But if you didnt want centerbolts you could buy the adapters to use older perimeter style valve covers. As far as whether or not they are worth it the vortecs were about the best flowing STOCK small block head made so yea I would say they are worth it unless you have money for aftermarket aluminums.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Supposedly centerbolt valve cover seal better and leak less, through I never had leaks with my perimeter covers. I think what really matters are the quality of gaskets used.

I noticed GMpartsdirect sells GM vortec intake manifolds about $50 cheaper than Jegs or Summit.

 

[79cutlasssalon442]

Looks really don't bother me. An engine could have rusty valve covers, dirt all over, oil stained headers or exhaust manifolds. As long as it goes fast it doesnt bother me. And im building this 350 for my street car. Flat top pistons and a good sized cam. Hoping for 9.5:1

 

[jacobdavis1979]

The 6 hour drive might suck if your really wanting them. Can the owner not ship them?

 

[lilbowtie]

Sounds like a good buy. It depends on your combo if they are going to help you. Dito Jake - shipping will be a lot cheaper than 6 hours in the car and gas, let alone fighting
the weather.

 

[pontiacgp]

vortec heads are one of the cheapest hp gain and they'll give you better gas mileage. For the center bolt valve covers the ones for the vortec heads are taller then the center bolt valve covers you find on non-vortec heads. The non-vortec head center bolt valve cover with not fit on a vortec head.

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

Yes, they are. I just went from a 350 with crappy 70's castings to vortec heads and other goodies and it is a completly different animal now. Also I picked up a set of tall polished aluminum center bolt valve covers on ebay for around 65 bucks.you can check out all the details in the build thread link in my signature.