So I was thinking of going to the junkyard and picking up some heads off of a b-body or f-body and having them ported. Same thing for the intake manifold, I figure there is no point in paying premium prices for a big hunk of metal. If the heads are not a good idea due to warping, would the intake manifold be fine? I can't see how something could be wrong with one of those.

Aside from possible warped heads is there anything else I should be concerned about? Is there a way to determine if heads are warped by looking at them?

I'm just thinking the cheaper I go on somethings the more money I'll have left over for a good tune and possible unexpected expenses.

- Z28WannaB

 

How do you plan to build a "357 LT4" with LT1 heads and intake off an Impala or an F-Body? Im confused. Or are you figuring you're going to find one of the 129 or so LT4 F-bodies in a boneyard?

 

You don't want B-body heads, either. They're not aluminum. Why not just buy a heads and intake from the For Sale section. Plenty of people letting them go for cheap.

 

I made a previous post and in that thread I was told to use ported LT1 heads instead of LT4 heads because they will flow better and cost less.

I've got an LT4 shortblock.

- Z28WannaB

 

Mmm thats an idea, I'll check it out. I just figured it'd be cheaper to go to a junk yard, and I could actually see what I was getting.

- Z28WannaB

 

Excuse my ignorence, but if I get LT1 heads the valvetrain is going to need to be replaced.

What all does that include?

Thanks for the informative responses, you guys were right I found some good deals on cams and heads on the for sale section. *slaps his head*

- Z28WannaB

 

Depends on what route you go on whether or not valvetrain components will need to be replaced.

 

He posted earlier(in another thread) about a lt4 block minus cam/head/intake. I told him lt1 heads ported (by Lloyd, it sounds like he is on a budget)will flow more than the STOCK lt4 heads.

Your valvetrain is going to need to accomodate whatever you choose to run. If you port the heads, your selection of cam, springs etc. will all depend on what you want to do with the car. Every piece needs to compliment the other to get max. performance out of a combination. Each piece is tied to the next. Ported heads will open your cam selection options. Depending on the cam, you'll need correct springs. Are you going to run higher RPM's, then titanium retainers may be needed to help lighten the valvetrain, which also affects spring choice(which I just learned this weekend talking with Lloyd) etc. Research your parts and ask the questions!!