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SBC HEAD QUESTION: Need Help Picking A Head

2K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  Mustangsaly 
#1 ·
ok if everything works out, I might part with my vortec heads and a complete 350. so I might be after a different set of SBC heads. new or used. I'm not after a set of AFRs, but would like a set of $400 or $500 to $750 Heads, and would like to achieve in the 425 + HP range with .550 + inch lift.

But

I looked at Dart Heads, I'm not sure what Dart Head would be best to achieve 10.1CR & 425HP or what other head would be good. I looked on summit for heads, looked at dart and others, who sells new vortec heads bolt on ready for .550 lift ?

I'm planning in the 10.1CR range. what Head would you recommend ?

if I still can't afford a decent head then I won't sell my 062s and they can see the machinist. witch was my plan till about 5pm today. when a guy from down the street ask about the 350 in my 74 Camaro, and my vortec heads for his elcamio.

thanks
 
#3 ·
coldknock said:
Keep your heads and get the guide bosses machined. The power your looking for doesn't really require aftermarket heads. Good parts, machining and tuning will get you there.


Larry
I agree, You are not going to find a better head for $400-$750.
 
#5 ·
new springs, retainers, larger valves, and cleaning up your ports with a light port job will be plenty tto get you there. I would go with a cam lift in the .525 lift range (solid or hyd. flat tappet will work fine) Vortec heads are really nice pieces for the price, plus they are EGR compatable, which I'm a big fan of. Spend some money on a well ported Performer manifold, 1.6 roller rockers, and a good set of long tube headers.
 
#6 ·
what made think about jumping on selling my heads and made me look around for different heads was, I called a machine shop and to do my heads (this price is not seeing them, and he said was a little on the high side) Valve job, new roller cam springs good for .550 lift, screw in studs, guide plates, machine down spring boss, machine spring seat ect. $600 to $700 guide plates is all I really don't need done to the heads. as I'm planning self aligning roller rocker arms so I won't need guide plates. he said the springs for .550in lift and the roller cam & .550 lift were $145.00 plus machining down the bosses.

my cam with 1.6 rockers
GMPP HOT hydraulic roller, with 0.525/0.525 in. of lift and 218�/228� of duration @ 0.050 in. of lift.

$600 to $700 is a lot in my book. can't I buy new vortecs for $700 ? course the springs on them prob won't be rated for a roller cam. I called crane and the Crane Cam�s 10309-1 drop-in valve spring and retainer kit which is good for .560in + lift with no machining, and are rated for a roller cam, they cost $196.99 for the springs $ retainers. so plan is to order the crane 10309-1 springs & retainers and take the heads in for a valve job or what ever they need. plus pinned or screw in studs. I'm hopeful I can do that for around $200 or $300 tops, plus $200 in springs.
 
#9 ·
Mustangsaly said:
with a .525" lift roller cam turning 6200rpm I don't need screw in studs ?


everyone elses says I do.


thanks

Mustangsaly
It depends on which spring you are using. If using the LT4 springs from GM performance parts that come in the HOT cam kit,you will be fine with the factory press in studs. Are screw in studs stronger? absolutely
 
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