the vortec head swap

[Cornfield creations]

I am figuring up prices for putting on different heads and everything included. I just need to make sure I'm not missing anything.

vortec heads x2 12558060
intake manifold for vortec head
intake gaskets
intake bolts
valve cover's 12497978
valve cover gaskets

As far as a camshaft, I am unsure what to run. What is everyone else using?

it's a 79 350 that is completely stock

 

[yoshisv]

Carb or tbi?

 

[Cornfield creations]

Carb, I wanted to use my quadrajet since it works

 

[beater_k20]

is anything wrong with your current cam? if not, try it. whatever pushrods you're using now should be about the right length. you'll also need the guided rockers used on 87+ engines too.

 

[Cornfield creations]

yeah i think the cam seems good, never had a problem with the engine (if you don't call a lack of power a problem). I just thought the cam had to be changed with those heads.

 

[beater_k20]

nope, an 87+ engine uses shorter pushrods, but also taller lifters. overall the lifter/pushrod combo is the same length. cams shouldnt really effect it, unless you're optimized for the other heads, but with a stock cam you should be fine.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I think swapping the stock cam out for something bigger with vortecs is a good idea, IMO.

 

[beater_k20]

good idea, yes, NEEDED, no.

 

[ryan22re]

Be prepared for about a full point increase in the compression ratio. Your 79 probably has 76 cc heads and the vortec's are around 64-65 cc's. Would be great if you had an 8.0-8.5:1 motor. If it's already 9:1 you'd may run into some detonation issues.

If you are running stock (unmodified vortec) heads, you'll have to limit valve lift to around .475-.480 inches of lift. My pic would be a cam with about 260 degrees of advertised duration and around .450-.460 inches of lift.

 

[bowtiepower00]

There are a couple of places that sell Vortecs with modified spring seats that allow for lifts up to .525 or so. You can also purchase complete vortec kits with manifolds, etc. in one box. Is your current cam stock? If so, I'd bump it up a bit. Summit makes some cams with lifters for around $90. You're not going to want a very big one. If you've already got a RV cam I'd leave it alone.

 

[Cornfield creations]

Nope, it's the original cam.

 

[Cornfield creations]

Which intake is most widely used? I was looking at the edelbrock 2116, Or maybe an endurashine version!

 

[beater_k20]

looks like a decent choice for a mild engine. might want to rebuild the carb while you've got it off.