Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I have a question on the head gaskets,, why so thick? How far is current piston down in hole? Head cc? , You can improve the actually deck clearnace by running a tighter deck. Piston compression? Do you know? That would help that 268 cam. Be sure to add moly paste to lifter and a can of GM additive or Comp offers the same thing. Break in with Shell Rotell T or Delo oil.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I believe the current compression is only 8.5:1. I picked the gasket clearance just based on what I thought I should use to keep the compression under 10:1 and still run lower octane fuel. The current heads are 76cc chambers and the Vortecs are 64cc.

Should I used different thickness head gaskets?

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I believe the current compression is only 8.5:1. I picked the gasket clearance just based on what I thought I should use to keep the compression under 10:1 and still run lower octane fuel. The current heads are 76cc chambers and the Vortecs are 64cc.

Should I used different thickness head gaskets?

I would look at getting this a little closer by using the .015-.018 or so shim gaskets. If you can get an avg of your piston deck say .023 or so, using the steel shim will get quench up to favorable .035-.045 , this would keep detonation down and help compression. Any idea on piston #? Piston in hole? Sounds like you are heading in right direction with the 268 cam.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

Is your intake the newer style for vortec heads ? If it is not, I wouldn't go with vortecs. I would go with some Pro-Actions from RHS. These heads are better and you don't have to use a vortec intake or center bolt valve covers. Your final cost will be about the same.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I don't know much about the pistons--I'm told they are most likely cast dished pistons that came stock in the low-HP Goodwrench motors (possibly part #12514101)--they appear to be in most of the 350 crate motors.

I am not sure of the piston depth but was told that these were typically .045 at TDC.

Does that make sense?

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

These are the older castings...they have just been reworked a bit...

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I think you'd be well served by getting the heads off the car before you spend any money. Check out the piston tops and measure the deck clearance.

On the Vortec's, call the vendor and make sure the valve seal bosses have been machined for that much lift. Stock vortec's only good for .450" no matter how much spring you put in them, retainer hits the guide at .450"

And I agree about the head choice, too. Unless you all ready have a cortec compatible intake and valve covers....

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

Jim--that might be a good idea just to make sure.

On the RHS heads--I'd love to have them but they seem much more expensive overall. Redirect me if I've missed something but here are the prices I found:

Pro Action, Cast Iron, SBC 23 Degree, As Cast, 64cc Chamber, 180 Runner, Straight Plug, Assembled H $618 each ($1,236 pair)Valve Covers ($0--I have covers)
Air Gap Intake (EDL-7501 @ $199.00) I can't re-use what I have
Total: $1,435

Vortec Heads w/500 lift $450 for pair
Air Gap Vortec Intake (EDL-7516--I paid $199)
Centerbolt Valve Covers $50.00 (Mr. Gasket chrome)
Total: $699.00

That's (ouch) $736 more--or double--the cost to run the RHS heads...did I pick the wrong ones or forget a component? I'd much rather have RHS...is there some way to do the RHS set-up for $800 or less?

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

The vortec's seem like a good deal, the rhs price seems high for iron heads, real high.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I just contacted the company and the bosses have been machined for .500" lift vice them just replacing the springs.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

Pull heads, check pistons in 4 corners and that would be least you can do. My guess is that you will be close to 9.5 going to 64cc head, but you still need to take advantage of getting quench to min. Feeler gauge it if you have to , put small level across top piston at TDC on each piston.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

buy em.

 

Re: About to switch to Vortec heads with Lunati Cam--any suggestions before I hit "bu

I believe those prices are suggested list off RHS website. You can buy the Pro-action heads, bare for about $250 each. You need to find a shop that will sell them built. I would estimate about $750-800 for a pair of assembled heads.

If you want CHEAP Pro-comp heads are on ebay. Pair of assembled, aluminum heads, for $750. These are not RHS heads.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PROC...INUM-CYLINDER-HEADS_W0QQitemZ270118266291QQihZ017QQcategoryZ33617QQcmdZViewItem

Also found these: http://www.mandrengines.com/store/p.../store/product_info.php?products_id=228&osCsid=40438d2d2e52d4f3d0a053316fe8450b