which vortec heads?

Im not too familiar with Vortec heads, but EVERYONE I've talked to says Vertec's are the way to go. My block is from a 74' 350 and rebuilt with Flat Tops. I'm now in the market for some heads and cam. Final hp I'd like around 350-400. Vortec heads I see LT1, L98, etc. Which heads will work best with this application?

Thanks,
Mark

Just waiting for "Dirt Reynolds" to chime in here, he would probably the best person to talk to about vortec heads.

there is only one head refered to as Vortec. its a factory GM head but you are limited to .480 lift. pace sells vortecs that are modified for higher lifts for a bit more, but they are the same head.

the LT1 and L98 heads are just that, LT1 and L98

there are many different castings of Vortec heads... some better then others.

There are only two different vortec 350 head or L31 casting #s.

Yes, but which head is better. I understand they have higher flow ratings than say double humps or early vette heads but which Vortec's should I sink my money into?

you can call Scoggin and Dicky chevrolet, the are performance parts experts. 375hp with a small cam is pretty routine with these heads.

Man I just called two valve shops here in Houston and both places said I was crazy for trying to get max hp from a set of Vortec's and that I should bring in my 882's and have them p&p'd and have 2.02/1.60's put in and I would be fine. WHATS UP!! I have 700.00 to spend, what heads are the best bet?

nevermind, Im going with a set of World Products, Sportsman II's. Final... thanks for the help though.

I have sportsmann II heads on my Z. I have been told if you have a mild port job done on them you will see 40hp increase. I have a real mild cam, RPM perf. intake and a 650 carb. my 81 Z will run low 13's I have run a 13.2 on street tires, havnt had it back with the DR's on it yet.

And my heads are box stock.

Try edelbrock. They make vortec heads which are supposed to be a little better than a standard chevy.


http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/index.html

I didn't see this topic until now, but my suggestion is definitely consider the Vortecs. I run a ported set in my '77 Z, and am *extremely* pleased with the results. 400HP from a 350 with flat-top pistons is not a problem with Vortecs and a streetable hyd. flat tappet cam.