Useful tips

Are TBI and Vortec heads the same?

Are TBI and Vortec heads the same?

The standard TBI intake manifold will not fit on Vortec heads. 460 lift, the heads will be fine. The use of the Performer with the TBI adaptor will also improve performance. If you wanted the Vortec heads on your engine then you would have to buy a new intake manifold to be able to get the TBI set-up onto the heads.

Can you use Vortec heads on TBI?

The heads will bolt to the block fine but you will need a specific intake manifold. Either the gm TBI/vortec intake or a vortec intake for carbs and use an adapter for the tbi. If you use the carb intake you will loose the EGR. You can keep it with the gm intake.

How much horsepower do Vortec heads add?

The original answer was related to modifying the heads to accept more valve lift. Our original answer combined the Chevrolet Hot cam with a set of these Vortec heads. Our estimate then and now is around 350-375 horsepower. Your question relates to porting the Vortec heads to improve the flow, which is a great idea.

Are TBI heads good?

TBI heads are often talked down by people who are too lazy and/or ignorant to learn otherwise, don’t let it fool you though, they’re a very good stock casting. They outflow most production casting SBC heads on the exuast side, and they don’t lag too far behind on the intake side.

Can you put a Vortec 350 in a TBI truck?

Yes, you can swap a Vortec motor in place of a TBI motor, but no, it doesn’t bolt in place.

Will TBI heads fit older block?

Regarding physical interchange: Yes, the heads in this group physically bolt on to your existing short-block but require a unique intake manifold and corresponding intake-gasket set because the center two intake-manifold-to-cylinder-head attaching bolts are drilled at a different angle than traditional small-block …

How much horsepower do Vortec heads add to a 350?

Vortec heads instantly added 55 or more horsepower to a regular 350 head with the same displacement. Automotive enthusiasts are quick to note that the 350 and the 5.7 Vortec are essentially the same engine with the same displacement. The 350 designation is the cubic inch measurement that also translates to 5.7 liters.

How much horsepower do heads add?

Depending on your cam, you can gain anywhere from 40-70hp. Cam and heads can gain you 100+hp.

How much HP can a 350 TBI make?

The 350 TBIs only flow like 475 cfm, but can be bored to flow ~650 cfm. The bored TBI with the bigger injectors (96 lbs), the right chip, and a bumped up fuel pump (20 psi), should be able to support 345 hp (according to John’s calculations).

What years did Chevy use TBI?

TBI was started in 1987, but some 87’s registered as 86’s had them. Up to 92/93 the engines were the same.

Are TBI heads any good?

How can I tell if I have vortec heads?

The easiest way to identify a Vortec head is by the sawtooth pattern cast into the front. Look for casting number 12558062, but avoid casting number 10239906, which has a modified exhaust seat and loses 20 percent of its flow at 0.120-inch lift.

What exactly is a Vortec engine?

Vortec is a trademarked name for a line of small block engines for General Motors trucks. The name first appeared in a 1984 advertisement for the 1985 model year 4.3 L V6 that used “vortex technology” to create a vortex inside the combustion chamber, creating a better air/fuel atomization. Now it is used on a wide range of engines.

How does a Vortec engine work?

The system works by closing off the intake and exhaust valves, and each individual cylinder sports a locking pin. The pin acts as a hinge to control Dynamic Fuel Management. In regular operation, the engine’s camshaft rotates and presses down on a deactivation arm that opens up the intake and exhaust valve.

What is a Chevy TBI?

TBI is a fuel injection system that uses a pair of injectors mounted in a single housing that is mounted and functions much like a carburetor, except that the injectors replace the venturis , jets, air bleeds, fuel bowls, and floats.