well, you will also need a vortec style intake for the fast burns, so you can take that out of the equation. from what i have read, fast burns are marginal heads for the money. sure, they will make good power and you will probably like them, but for the money a set of Edelbrock RPM or trickflow 23degree heads will get you to the same power level, and use a regular intake, too boot. or, for a few hundred more, get a set of AFR heads.
in short, get the fast burns if you are like me and want as many GM parts on your car as possible, and want the GMPP logo on the end of the head. get something else if you are looking at it from a cost perspective.

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1971 Nova(looks like 69 camaro from underneath!)
355sb, vortec heads, HOT cam,T-10 tranny, 3.70 gears 16X8" IROC wheels. 12" Corvette brakes on the way.
see pics here http://community.webshots.com/user/novaderrik

[This message has been edited by novaderrik (edited 10-19-2002).]

 

I disagree with Novaderrick. If the fast burn heads weren't any good, Edelbrock wouldn't have copied the design and changed the name to "E-Tech".

I do agree that you could get a better head for not much more money.

The only other thing to worry about is that the fast burn heads have a raised exhaust port, so most aftermarket headers won't fit them. I think someone has since come out with some, but I'm not sure.

 

If you are just looking at the heads, and low-end torque is your goal, the Vortec head is hard to beat.

A pair of Vortec's can be had for around $500, while Fastburns will set you back at least $1100. This still means that you will need a new intake manifold and rail-type rocker arms. All total for a set of Vortec heads, intake, rocker arms you are looking at around $750. Sallee Chevrolet has a great website with a bunch of Vortec head info.

Most headers that fit angle-plug GM heads will work with the Fastburn raised exhaust port, you just need to slot the bolt holes to allow them to line up.

If you decide to go the Vortec route and need a set of LT4 valvesprings (used on the Fastburn head) let me know. I'll make you a great deal on the springs and retainers.

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The Red Beast http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

[This message has been edited by CarlC (edited 10-25-2002).]

 

As usual, I'm here defending the Fast Burn heads.

As far as the headers go, Hooker Super Comps 1 3/4 fit fine with no mods needed. Use Earl's "Pressure Master" header gaskets made for the LT1, they fit the Fast Burns perfectly.

Maybe I'm biased, as we get a deal on GMPP goodies, but I couldn't be happier with the performance of the FB's.

Great response, a seemingly endless torque curve...and don't forget...the intake valves are hollow stemmed, and the exhaust sodium filled. Lightweight retainers and surprisingly (for GM production) good
springs. This makes for a very fast winding motor.



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Don~ ZZ430DropTophttp://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs
~~~~and~~~~
70 RS
67 RS/SS Convertible, 70 RS

 

Thanks for all the info. Do the Vortecs need different headers than stock GM heads. The headers I have now barely fit- I have AC and power steering. I was hoping to keep them since most header ads say AC is a problem.
Thjanks,
John

 

Vortechs and Fastburn as well as other 23 degree aftermarket heads should fit fine with standard headers. There are different port shapes though on different heads so you might want to get your heads first then pick headers with the same basic port shape. There are D-shaped, round and square ports out there. SAP ports are "same as production" and are kind of square shaped.

IMO even though the fast burn heads are made well, the flow numbers are mediocre when compared to all the other aftermarket heads. Same with the Edelbrock ETECs IMO until they recently revised them and improved their flow.

AFR 180's would be awesome for your application and would be my 1st choice. The smaller 180cc intake ports flow awesome and beat a lot of heads with larger runners. The smaller ports increase velocity and make great TQ.

Someone else here says the same is true for Pro-Topline 180cc heads (see the Jegs catalog) but I have not personally seen the numbers. The Pro-Toplines are quite a bit cheaper than the AFRs and should be comparable to the Fastburns in price without needing a special intake.

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by Eric68 (edited 10-26-2002).]

 

I recently purchased Dart Pro Comp heads 64 cc for a new 350 block. I didn't think to check if my new Sanderson tube headers would bolt up. Any help appreciated.

 

Most standard headers will work but you may have to grind the head-side flange bolt holes into an oval shape to allow the header to move up and align with the port. No biggie, it works fine on my Fastburns with Hooker 1 5/8" Super Competition. I did have to grind out all of the excess weld in the port flange to reduce blockage. I too have factory A/C and understand the problems and nightmares that go with it.

ZZ, I agree, the Fastburns are a pretty good head, but if the car is mainly a low-RPM 350ci and smaller torque mill I wonder if the Vortec's might be a better deal?

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The Red Beast http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

[This message has been edited by CarlC (edited 10-26-2002).]

 

The vortecs are hard to beat for a good street head. IMO, the fastburns have too big of an intake port for strong off idle performance, but I have never tried them so I can't say for sure. I will say that the vortecs are awesome...worlds better than any old gm casting available. Scroggins-dickey sells vortec packages that includes all the bolts gaskets, heads, rockers, intake, etc...their package price is hard to beat. If you dont go over about .475-.480 lift, you won't need to machine the guides for extra clearance, and you wont need screw in studs. With something like a xe262 cam, you will have a very strong power curve from idle to about 5200-5500 rpms.