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350 cylinder heads

Babaganoosh

Babaganoosh

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It's about time for a new set to go on the truck, problem is I have no idea what to look for. Right now, I have a 78 or 79 350 block stock engine. In the future I'd like to do a 383 build in the next year or so, with 300ish horsepower and torque. Could someone please point me in the right direction and maybe some Arizona shops to look for?

Thanks Ben
 
How much are you planning on spending and do you plan to reuse them on your future 383? I would assume you would want to go with a smaller chamber to bump the current compression up to something reasonable?
 
I would like to be able to transfer the heads with no worrys. I don't want to spend a boat load on them, but for quality sometimes comes price. Also, I would like to make this future 383 fuel injection to with a tpi setup. Man I have alot of learning to do before I get this engine.
 
About your cheapest option for bolt on power is Vortecs. With a mild performance cam, intake, and headers 300 Hp, 380 torque is pretty easy and cheap to get to.
Plus the Vortecs will go nicely with a 383.
To bolt on the vortecs all you need is a vortec to carb manifold and centerbolt valve covers. Unless smog is an issue.. then you will need an EGR kit also.
 
Smog is a issue for me unfortunately. I'll have to look into a EGR kit for the vortec heads.
 
A TPI vortec manifold is $400, so plan on that when you go fuelie. Still, I would also recomend the vortecs. I plan to use vortecs and TPI on my burb, except on a 400 instead of a 383. You can find decent used heads that will work well with the stock TPI intake, but it costs a small fortune to have a set redone.
 
Another option is World torquer heads. They are around $800. But are a direct bolt on , have EGR, and wil take the stock manifold.. They also work well with fuel injection if you want to convert later. 67 cc heads on a stock engine will give around 9 to one compression ratio.
They build about the same power as vortecs.
If you want to convert to TBI all you need is an adapter plate for the manifold.
TPI would be a different matter tho.
 
GM has a part number for vortecs with both intake bolt patterns and both valve cover bolt patterns . I went back to my Jeg's cat last week and found the ones I am putting on the Chevelle ( when money comes ) . 630.00 each assembled :



Product images may differ from actual product appearance.

This all new 23° fast burn cylinder head has the highest performance potential of any 23° SB head developed by GM using flat top pistons. This head is a bolt-on 30 hp increase when used on GM's ZZ4 crate engine. 62cc fast burn combustion chambers produce higher cylinder pressures by burning more of the available fuel before the piston starts its power stroke downward. Heads and rocker rails are CNC machined to exacting tolerances, thus eliminating the need for ''blue-printing'' of machined tolerances. ''D'' shaped 78cc exhaust, and 210cc intake port and runners require no additional porting, but is recommended for all out racing. Fits all, 1958 to present, 283-400ci SB V-8 engines with conventional water flow design; but cannot be used on any LT1, LT4 or LS1 engine with reverse water flow. Comes completely assembled with valves, springs, retainers, and 3/8'' rocker studs. Requires the use of self-aligning rocker arms.
Material: Aluminum
Intake Runner Volume: 210cc
Combustion Chamber Volume: 62cc
Valve Diameter: 2.00'' Int./ 1.55'' Exh.
Spark Plugs: Angled


Jeg's part number 809-12464298


TPI would work with any head that has standard pattern intake bolt holes , the aluminum head corvettes kept the old intake pattern after the center bolt cover motors started .
 
Got a few questions for you Paul.

Would those heads work with a 383? I also have stock manifolds would the angled plugs work? I wonder if I could get those heads at work with the employee discount. If I can would you want me to see what I can do for you?
 
The problem is, even if the vortecs are drilled for the standard bolt pattern, the roofs of the ports are too high for the TPI base manifold and there is very little sealing surface. It's been done, but I wouldn't do it on any of my vehicles. Heck, even the Performer RPM's (non-vortec) on my Camaro's TPI 350 don't match up well to the stock base. And they use the standard 1205 (I think) intake gasket.
 
Babaganoosh said:
Got a few questions for you Paul.

Would those heads work with a 383? I also have stock manifolds would the angled plugs work? I wonder if I could get those heads at work with the employee discount. If I can would you want me to see what I can do for you?
Click to expand...

Yes

Jason4x4 can order to his work no shipping just like you

Maybe , I need to refresh my memory before I say so .
 
I have vortec heads on my 383, they're awesome.

By far the best bang for the buck performance (even though its OEM) cylinder head out there.
 
Which ones did you end up going with and what kind of power are you making?


Thanks guys keep them coming helping out tremendously.
 
Babaganoosh said:
Which ones did you end up going with and what kind of power are you making?
Click to expand...

L31 vortec heads, got them from the dealer (my cousin worked there so I got a bit of a deal).

I haven't dyno'd the motor but desktop dyno says 434 hp and 470 ft. lbs. My machine shop guessed 450 hp.

The motor is full roller but I think both are overestimates. Some people claim that Desktop Dyno estimates too much power for roller cams. I've always considered my motor to be around 400 hp.


I can't really give direct comparison on the difference that vortec heads alone make (I went from a 200K 350 to the 383). The L31 vortecs have a very good reputation, they are nearly identical to the Corvette/Camaro LT1 heads of the era (other than the LT1 heads are aluminum and reverse coolant flow) and they're cheap (~half what most aftermarket heads cost).

If you're thinking about replacing the intake anyway you can't go wrong with vortec heads. They make great low end torque but still flow plenty to make the power you need.
 
I see, tomorrow I'm going to have to waddle over to parts and find out some stuff. Thank you Chris.
 
I think my best bet would be to go with some non vortec heads. I was reading on this website and found this, http://www.383stroker.com/engines.html for there 330 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque they have GM 76 CC TBI Heads with 1.94" x 1.50" Stainless Valves. Would I need the combustion chamber volume of 76 as listed?
 
how much you lookin to spend? look for a set of trick flow twisted wedge heads(i've heard good things about them), they've had the valves relocated to help induce swirl and aid in more effecient combustion...they look like bbc heads b/c the valves aren't all straight in a row, some are straight and some are canted...
 
The chamber volume you need depends on what compression you want , and what parts you use .

If you used their piston and rod combo with that stroker crank and their head gasket , then you get 9.2 to 1 with 76cc chambers .
 
For aluminum heads I would use the Edelbrock E-TECs over the GM fast burns. For an iron Vortec head I would use the Engine Quest head. It is a very nice Australian-made casting machined for screw in studs, and it has bronze valve guides and a hardened exhaust seat insert.

Lopers carries Edelbrock and will price match Summit or Jegs. You have to pay tax at Lopers, but the online stores will charge shipping. Compare both and go with which ever is cheaper and more convenient. You can buy the EQ heads from Engine Quest online.
 
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