SBC Guys: Opinion on heads

Okay so, GM Vortec heads or World Sportsman II heads? Both are cast iron. Both used. Not sure on vortec valve size probably 1.94 intake, the World's are 2.02/1.6 stainless Manleys.

So which would you get? Ive heard they both have about same potential ported out, but the vortec has a much more modern combustion chamber design. However I'd have to put like $250 in valves in the vortecs just to get up to the 2.02's the worlds already have.

[bmwmcars]

just curious, why the iron heads? cost?

what intake, cam and shortblock ?

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

just curious, why the iron heads? cost?

what intake, cam and shortblock ?

Agreed, too many variables to easily answer.

Need to know available budget too...

[shawnc16]

well, you have to consider the vortec manifold as well... I heard the sportsman II heads are basically stock replacement heads as well... a lot of circle track guys run em cuz theyre cheap..

[PACE]

well If your on a budget i would run the vortec heads over the sportsman 2.. I have a buddy that has a 396ci small block stroker motor, that built very very mild, has a nice set of iron vortec heads, running around 10 to 1 comp.. Hes running in a 3000lb car, in the 1/4 at about 11.30 with out a problem... The vortec heads are good, and i now He swares by them... He also love's AFR'S ALSO... but who doesnt....

[MattODoom]

just curious, why the iron heads? cost?

what intake, cam and shortblock ?

Yeah. I dont need a 1300 dollar set of heads for what im doing here.

Intake is a Victor Jr single plane converted to port EFI with an elbow and TPI throttle body. Not sure on cam yet.

Need to know available budget too...

The budget is kind of irrelevant im just saying I have both a set of sportsman and a set of vortecs available to me to purchase right now just asking which one is better.

well, you have to consider the vortec manifold as well... I heard the sportsman II heads are basically stock replacement heads as well... a lot of circle track guys run em cuz theyre cheap..

The sportsmans are a bit more then stock's, those are the World S/R Torquers. They're no AFR but they're decent.

well If your on a budget i would run the vortec heads over the sportsman 2.. I have a buddy that has a 396ci small block stroker motor, that built very very mild, has a nice set of iron vortec heads, running around 10 to 1 comp.. Hes running in a 3000lb car, in the 1/4 at about 11.30 with out a problem... The vortec heads are good, and i now He swares by them... He also love's AFR'S ALSO... but who doesnt....

Im thinking the vortecs too because I've heard the combustion chamber on them just really kicks ass whereas the sportsman 2 is pretty old technology in that regards.

[Orange Terror]

Yeah. I dont need a 1300 dollar set of heads for what im doing here.

Intake is a Victor Jr single plane converted to port EFI with an elbow and TPI throttle body. Not sure on cam yet.

Problem you have here is I'm betting this won't work on the vortec because the vortec heads require an intake that accommodates their bolting pattern I believe. Instead of the bolts going in perpendicular to the intake mating face like on a traditional sbc head, they go in straight down I believe at an angle to the intake mating face. So if you are dead set on running this intake, get the Sportsman's.

However if you decide to go vortec anyway, I don't think you will need to spend the money for the bigger valves. Get or do a good port and polish job and they should flow nicely. Not saying the bigger valves won't work, but with the intake and exhaust runner flow capabilities of the vortec heads I don't see it giving you a huge boost.

And yes, the vortec's have a much more modern/efficient cumbustion chamber design.

[shawnc16]

I'd say go with the Vortecs.. they've been pushed into 450 hp pretty easily... Hell our buddy Mikes got a set on his engine which makes 305 @ wheels... stock bore 350 crate engine...

[MattODoom]

Problem you have here is I'm betting this won't work on the vortec because the vortec heads require an intake that accommodates their bolting pattern I believe. Instead of the bolts going in perpendicular to the intake mating face like on a traditional sbc head, they go in straight down I believe at an angle to the intake mating face. So if you are dead set on running this intake, get the Sportsman's.

However if you decide to go vortec anyway, I don't think you will need to spend the money for the bigger valves. Get or do a good port and polish job and they should flow nicely. Not saying the bigger valves won't work, but with the intake and exhaust runner flow capabilities of the vortec heads I don't see it giving you a huge boost.

And yes, the vortec's have a much more modern/efficient cumbustion chamber design.

Yeah I know the Vortecs use an entirely different intake bolt scheme. I should have said that was the intake im going to run, not that I have. So if I go with the vortecs ill just get a vortec single plane instead. I think Im pretty set on the Vortecs anyways, theyre the best piece GM's put out for the gen I's.

[MattODoom]

PS why did someone move this to "Driveline" ??? Should be Intake/Exhaust if anything.

[hgffrank]

The vortec heads shouldnt really matter when it comes to intake anyway, because an intake can easily be modded to work with vortec heads. A grinder and some tapered washers and your on your way.

but since you say your already using a vortec intake then vortec would be the way to go. Vortec heads have certainly proven themselves over and over again.

[MattODoom]

The vortec heads shouldnt really matter when it comes to intake anyway, because an intake can easily be modded to work with vortec heads. A grinder and some tapered washers and your on your way.

but since you say your already using a vortec intake then vortec would be the way to go. Vortec heads have certainly proven themselves over and over again.

I think you are confused. The grinder / tapered washer method works for using intakes between the pre 87 and 87+ standard heads where they changed the angle of the center bolts.

Vortecs use an entirely different bolt location and have taller intake runners. Four bolts on each side I believe, two up front two in back.

[shawnc16]

You are correct sir... *removes shirt* Next question... What is all this going on?

[MattODoom]

Next question... What is all this going on?

A small block chevy, can't you read?

[shawnc16]

haha oh jeez.. so thats what SBC means?? Is it going in the project GTA?