Hi everyone,

I have a '69 Z28 with a smokey 302 in it. I want to put a 400 hp small block in it for street and strip use. I've been reading all the mags with great interest for affordable small block power. Since the Vortec heads are the big deal right now I was thinking of getting a bone yard Vortec 350(97 and newer).I could get one for $1200 with 30K on it.I figured I am getting a factory stong bottom end with the good heads. Then install a Comp Cams 268H with the right intake and my 780 Holley vacuum. My question is, would this be a reliable 400 hp package, and will it work in my 69 as far as accessory mounting and clutch pivot ball mounting etc. I believe I would need a new flywheel due to the one piece rear seal. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

If it is a true 302 I would rebuild the 302 instead of going with something else. You do not find 302s any more!!

BTW, its not the original 302, but it was SUPPOSEDLY built to original specs. The paperwork I got with it is vague. it is an 010 block (69 350, 327, 302 4" bore). So what would make it a 302 is the crank and special pistons. I haven't had it apart yet so I don't know. I am willing to put it aside for something with more torque, power and reliabilty.

I doubt you would get 400 hp out of the vorted 350. Super Chevy just did one with the extreme energy cam, 9:1, vortec, per rmp and got 375. It might be cheaper and less hassle to buy a short block from a mail order company, and buy the heads seperatly they're only about $400 complete. This combo with these heads apear to be the cheapest way to get over 350 h.p. good luck.

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68 468 700R4

when you buy a set of cheap v-tec heads, you also must buy a vortec intake manifold and gaskets (different bold pattern) ,and valve covers (2 retainers in the center of cover), and a set of rocker arms (factory style self aligning tips GM prt 12495490)

all together looking at about 800$
little more than the ads let on.

there is a great article in this months "super chevy" feb 2000

Yes you will have to buy a intake for specialy designed to fit these heads, rockers, and centerbolt valve covers. But if you're going to rebuild a motor you're prabaly going to buy new stuff anyway. If you want to use an old style intakes you can buy the heads drilled to fit, form pace parts.

This is all true, that's why I am thinking the complete Vortec truck engine is ready to run without having to buy anything else but the intake and hot cam. I guess this is a roller cam, roller rocker motor and the limiting factor may be the valvesprings. I think they are good to .500 lift. Any thoughts on the Comp 268H cam in this combo.Does it come in a roller version? I'm wondering if this vortec engine is the same as the 330 hp crate motor now offered for around $2200. I think Year one offers valve cover adapters to run my old style z28 covers on the center bolt head. Anyone try them?

Thanks,
Jack

Try a comp cams 262read this quote from Chevy High Per. p 56 just above the conclusion
"we also bench raced about sub. the next step smaller comp cam extreme energy 262 to replace the 268. comp cams own testing showes that with stock heads, the 262 cam will make the same power, and slightly more toque. This would be a more docile street combo, even with the vortec heads, and could make even more torque at the costfo perhaps 5 to 10 hp at the peak this would be the combo to go for if this was a daily driven engine."

Has anybody installed v-tec heads on a SMC
400 ??? I guess all requirements would be
the same....heads,v tec manifold, rockers,
valve covers, etc. plus a new cam.

What about exhaust bolt pattern & match up.
I'm running headers now with stock heads &
performer intake monifold / 4bbl carb.

Will the headers bolt up to NEW heads ???
Or will I need exhaust mods also ???

to my knowlege the exhaust is the same pattern.

If you swap heads on a 400, don't forget to drill the steam holes! Use the 400 head gasket as a guide, and dril through to the water jacket

Just a thought- What if the vortech heads have different water passages and can't be drilled like the 400 heads? Has anyone drilled a set? I have a set of track 1 heads and Brodix says they have to be drilled way different (one is hole long and angled) on a mill.

The Comp Cam 268H is not a roller cam. If it is the Xtreme energy cam it is a great street cam. Great lope, great torque, good up to 6000rpm. I run it in my 350 and with Hi Per Heads, 750 carb, headers, you will see 400 ponies.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jacksz28:
This is all true, that's why I am thinking the complete Vortec truck engine is ready to run without having to buy anything else but the intake and hot cam. I guess this is a roller cam, roller rocker motor and the limiting factor may be the valvesprings. I think they are good to .500 lift. Any thoughts on the Comp 268H cam in this combo.Does it come in a roller version? I'm wondering if this vortec engine is the same as the 330 hp crate motor now offered for around $2200. I think Year one offers valve cover adapters to run my old style z28 covers on the center bolt head. Anyone try them?

Thanks,
Jack<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

jacksz28, 1996 model trucks also had the vortec 350 engine. I've got one in my '68.

I've got a 330 horse crate motor I'm getting ready to install in my 69. No it is not a roller cam. And from what I've read, they say dont go over .475 lift or you will encounter coil bind. I'm going to try the 262H cam it has .462 int .469 exh. lift

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Black 69 camaro