vortec heads -- issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Volvo_Matt · 08-13-2007, 04:02 PM

I just purchased a set of vortec cast iron heads listed for 1994 - 1996 chevy impala SS LT1 and were also used on police vehicles. I noticed that on the intake runner side that there are no water jacket ports at the ends of the heads like the old style ones that I used to have. I also cannot figure out which edelbrock performer RPM intake manifold that it uses...I ordered the 7116, which is listed for 1996- vortec heads. This manifold has 8 hold down bolts and these heads have 12 hold-down bolts and use center bolts for the valve covers. Any info. and pics would be greatly appreciated.

454HO · 08-13-2007, 04:19 PM

Hate to tell you this, but LT1 heads are not the same thing as Vortec heads. LT1 is reverse cooled and the heads are not compatible with a Gen1 block.

quickpm · 08-13-2007, 04:32 PM

You've got the correct intake. I've used both the stock Vortec heads and the ZZ5 heads with screw-in studs and the ability to go over .450 lift. Don't go over .450 or so with the stock heads, fyi. I think it has something to do with clearance issues in the spring retainer. If you are running the Performer RPM intake, you'll probably want a higher lift cam than .450 anyway. They are pretty cheap just to buy new. The ZZ5's from summit come with everything assembled except the studs.

Volvo_Matt · 08-13-2007, 04:40 PM

That makes sense now.....thanks for clearing that up!!

08-13-2007, 04:02 PM	#1
Volvo_Matt Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 49	vortec heads -- issues I just purchased a set of vortec cast iron heads listed for 1994 - 1996 chevy impala SS LT1 and were also used on police vehicles. I noticed that on the intake runner side that there are no water jacket ports at the ends of the heads like the old style ones that I used to have. I also cannot figure out which edelbrock performer RPM intake manifold that it uses...I ordered the 7116, which is listed for 1996- vortec heads. This manifold has 8 hold down bolts and these heads have 12 hold-down bolts and use center bolts for the valve covers. Any info. and pics would be greatly appreciated. __________________ 1963 LWB 350 M-21 4spd comp/edelbrock/holly/LT1 1.94/1.60 Last edited by Volvo_Matt; 08-13-2007 at 04:04 PM.

08-13-2007, 04:19 PM	#2
454HO Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,223	Re: vortec heads -- issues Hate to tell you this, but LT1 heads are not the same thing as Vortec heads. LT1 is reverse cooled and the heads are not compatible with a Gen1 block. __________________ - Greg

08-13-2007, 04:32 PM	#3
quickpm Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 47	Re: vortec heads -- issues You've got the correct intake. I've used both the stock Vortec heads and the ZZ5 heads with screw-in studs and the ability to go over .450 lift. Don't go over .450 or so with the stock heads, fyi. I think it has something to do with clearance issues in the spring retainer. If you are running the Performer RPM intake, you'll probably want a higher lift cam than .450 anyway. They are pretty cheap just to buy new. The ZZ5's from summit come with everything assembled except the studs. __________________ 72 C10 Long Bed, Vortec 350, Muncie M20, 3.73 Posi 79 Camaro, Vortec 350, Muncie M21, 3.90 Posi 07 BMW 328i, Wife's

08-13-2007, 04:40 PM	#4
Volvo_Matt Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 49	Re: vortec heads -- issues That makes sense now.....thanks for clearing that up!! __________________ 1963 LWB 350 M-21 4spd comp/edelbrock/holly/LT1 1.94/1.60

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