305 heads on a 350

[76zimmer]

Vortec 350's didn't come out til 96. You should be able to get a decent Vortec 350 96-99 long block for less than 2000 and bolt in and be happy for quite a while.
I would think total rebuilds of stock components w/ replacement of replaceable items would run 2000+

 

[Fabrimacator21]

Vortec 350's didn't come out til 96. You should be able to get a decent Vortec 350 96-99 long block for less than 2000 and bolt in and be happy for quite a while.
I would think total rebuilds of stock components w/ replacement of replaceable items would run 2000+

You can buy non vortec motors for 1000 remanufactured. Might be better off with one of those, then sell the heads that came with it and put the money towards a valvle job for the old vortecs.

If your decently confident in your abilities, you might want to try and do it yourself. Pick up a good SBC engine building book and take your time. You will save yourself alot of money if you do it yourself.

 

[76zimmer]

Remember that vortecs come with self aligning rocker arms, and centerbolt valve covers. In addition they have a specific intake manifold. Can't use an older style intake on vortec heads. And youhave to use a water pump bypass (water pump top to intake manifold front) or overheating of the heads will occur.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Also lets not forget that there is no provision for EGR in the intake like the old style stuff. You would need an expensive kit to make EGR function IF you need to keep it.

 

[thebluemax]

Remember that vortecs come with self aligning rocker arms, and centerbolt valve covers. In addition they have a specific intake manifold. Can't use an older style intake on vortec heads. And you have to use a water pump bypass (water pump top to intake manifold front) or overheating of the heads will occur.

This truck is exempt from smog testing finally due to it being 24 years old. So do I need a different intake? I was going to buy a new one anyway but if I don't have too.....I think this is engine is out of an 89 or so 1 ton. It has centerbolt valve covers IIRC but I'll have to look. Water pump bypass?

 

[76zimmer]

Vortecs have a water crossover built into the factory intake manifold I think. I used an Edelbrock Performer with my Vortec conversion, and it overheated, and gurggled through the upper radiator hose. A temp gun showed temps up to 280 on the head surfaces, and 250 at the water outlet. No instructions listed to put a bypass hose on it. Once I did that all was cool and well. And about 30-40 hp more too. This is only for 96 and up Vortec style heads. If your looking at the rocker arms, check the casting date while your in there.