Head swap

[Enzo354]

Alright, so I bought my car used and it has a bit of a mystery bottom end in it. I was told its a 383 with flat top pistons. I checked the block, it is for sure a 350. Well I upgraded my carb/intake and gained a good amount of hp by the drop in track times I had, and now I'm moving on to heads. I have a few questions though.

Currently my heads are 33417369, 90+ crate motor 76 CC

I went to the u-pull-it today and grabbed a good looking set of Vortec 062 heads.
My issue is how should I go about the head swap, re using as much as possible. I am not sure on the cam, so I was thinking maybe take off the current heads, and take them and the vortecs to a shop and have all of the clearances matched? That way I can make sure that it will all work fine. Also, will I be able to re use my pushrods and lifters if thy are the same length and specs?

 

[Dennyboy]

the 062 heads just bolt on i believe. i would get them checked for cracks and such. I dought the pushrods are gunna be the same. but if they are you shouldn't have a problem. pushrods are cheap though so ide just replace them with stronger ones if your looking to race it. do your springs on your current heads look aftermarket?

 

[pontiacgp]

if the intake was there you should grab that too...I put on vortec heads on a 350 and the pushrods fit..

 

[87canadiancutlass]

Push rods will be the same length, if the new and old heads are stock. You can always buy a push rod gauge to find out. Comp cams sell one. Now the problem you might have is with the cam. Stock vortec heads only allow for 0.460 valve lift. So if your cam has more lift then there can be a problem. But comp cams makes beehive springs that allow for .560 lift. Or there is a tool that you can buy that will machine some material away from the seal steam. Then a longer spring is needed

Check out this article it will tell you more. I think you need to look at the pictures to see the number I'm talking about.
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engi ... evy_build/

 

[87canadiancutlass]

if the intake was there you should grab that too...I put on vortec heads on a 350 and the pushrods fit..

Yes the intake mounts differently as well.

 

[Enzo354]

Well I found an intake and I'm going to have my machinist check all of the clearances and measurements of the heads. Also going to add 2.02 intake valves and 1.60 exhaust, as well as guide plates and screw in studs. Thanks for the advise everyone.