The valves in my 5.7 TPI are tired, but the block was replaced not too long ago. So I'm wondering if it's best to get the 083 heads rebuilt or is there a better solution for under a grand or so? I want to keep the TPI setup. Thanks.

 

well, for under a grand, you could go with some Vortec heads and get the proper lower intake to match(intake bolts are different the the original ones)

but then, you could go with some decent aftermarket ones as well

is the cam stock?

 

Look for some used one that will bolt right up. Just remember you wont see that much of a performance gain with the stock intake. If you get a bigger base/runners/plenum ect... you will see things come alive. I know it cost a lot of money. You can get some decent heads for under a grand that will do the job pretty well.

 

The cam is stock but I'll probably replace it when I do the heads. This is an all stock, very clean and well optioned '87 IROC, so I want to keep it pretty much stock (at least stock looking). I figure the 3rd gens are about due to start appreciating in value.

 

Perhaps you might want to look at the small cc heads from AFR's new Eliminator series. Go aluminum and bump the compression ratio up a notch to 10.25:1 for some more torque. Put in some 180 cc intake runners to keep port velocities up and with the newly designed combustion chamber you should see some good torque gains, especially with a new generation cam like one of the XFI series cams from Comp.

Optimize it for a 5500 RPM max RPM and you should have a nice, torquey and streetable package.

 

I'd do vortecs and the vortec base. That'll set you back under a grand, and it's a proven 40-50 horsepower gain on a completely stock L98.

 

What's a "vortec base"?

 

Vortec heads and base. The base is made by scoggin-dickey and is simply the lower intake designed to fit vortec head's bolt pattern. I've heard a thing or two about people retrofitting the stock base to work with vortec heads but I can't imaagine this as being a good option. The base is pretty expensive, though. However, buying vortec heads and base both is comparable in price to simply buying aftermarket heads and keeping your stock base. The aftermarket base will help realize more power gains from the heads. I believe scoggin-dickey advertised 300 hp on an L98 with vortec heads and their base.

 

Couldnt have said it better myself,listen to this man.

The heads will be more money than Vortecs but you wont have to buy the base plenum for the Vortec heads...thats saves you almost $400.

 

I don't think the AFR heads are gonna be under a grand. I think the eliminator series heads are close to $1500 a pair and your still stuck with the choking stock base manifold.

 

I have a brand new pair of 113, better known as the L98 vette/ZZ4 heads. I bought a ZZZ crate motor, and plan on using my AFR 180's for the build, so I am trying to sell these heads. They are brand new, never been fired. Never had the valve covers off until last week, when I took them off the motor for the first time since it was built by GM. Anyway long story short, they are complete, ready to go. Here is the link to my for sale section ad, PM me if you are interested bro. Thanks

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531833

Will

 

But he still has to buy a high flow TPI base. So he's still buying a $300-$400 TPI base either way.

 

Actually i think he is going with a Stealth Ram intake......with a good set of heads, cam, exhaust he should be doing pretty good.

 

If you're going to go with a stealth ram, you can get the Vortec stealth ram and use the Vortec heads. That's the combo I plan to use on my IROC when I get around to it.

 

Go with a set of vette aluminum heads. The ones Stanghunter211 has are a pretty good deal for brand new 113's.