[webcat]

any body drill there vortec heads to fit a TBI intake ?
if so how did it work out? how hard was it ?
and i'm assuming i would have to drill 12 holes

 

[Gary]

Are you talking about for a 4.3 or for a 5.7???.

 

[webcat]

5.7L

 

[Gary]

I have looked for sometime for the "good guys" set of heads for a 5.7.I wanted a cast iron set for long term use on the street.That is one of my requirements.I also wanted a set with a intake runner around 185cc to compliment the cam I am going to use to build a low rpm torquer 5.7.Now during that search I have read that guys re-drilled later style heads for the TBI manifolds.I am not sure in the long run how well that worked out.If that ran into water jackets and needed to be resealed on the bolts or what.To avoid any problems I found that GM builds these heads which seems to be about perfect for what I want for the engine for Ole Yellar.Here is the link:

https://store.gmperformanceparts.com/st ... %20&model=

Abit pricey,but in the long run for me,well worth the money. :chevy:

 

[Farmer]

would i run into the same hole angle prob on my 4.3 if i wanted vortec heads?

 

[Gary]

Honestly-on a 4.3's I don't know.Maybe someone will chime in and help out.

 

[webcat]

GARY,
last night i ran into a website that said you would in fact drill into the water jackets but it would'nt be a big deal , yea they said just put sealer on your bolts .
I am not sure in the long run how well it worked out either .
it would be nice to make some sort of guide so after you make your drill mark you could easily get your angle right

 

[webcat]

Farmer, i think you would run into the same problem because the 4.3 intake has the 8 bolts that are straight up and down

you could use the carb Vortec manifold for v6 and adapter for TBI

 

[Gary]

I would think these holes would be best left up to a machine shop to drill.

 

[webcat]

yea , i think your right ,

 

[axisg]

For the 5.7 application you could use the Patriot Performance Heads Vortec line. It has a dual bolt pattern to allow use of either of the the GM intake designs and both valve cover designs for the 350 SBC.

 

[Gary]

For the 5.7 application you could use the Patriot Performance Heads Vortec line. It has a dual bolt pattern to allow use of either of the the GM intake designs and both valve cover designs for the 350 SBC.

Trying to figure out how to tell the community this diplomatically what I found out about Patriot Performance Heads this past winter.I attended the Parts Peddler swap meet/auction this past winter.It has been a venue where we bought many parts for 20yrs.That was either for resale or for use on the racing operation.So we are well known there.Now this isn't to be argumentative in any way.Just a heads up for you all to be aware of.I was talking to a vendor who I know very well and he was selling brand new Patriot Heads.The pricing is kind of low,so it drew my attention to them.I asked him what was the source of the heads.He knew what I meant and yeah they are off-shore castings machined state side.I asked him any problems with them??.He said-well yeah they have had "some" casting issues and cracks,leaks.We both knew how that makes sales a problem.I said how bad has it been??.He kind of blushed and said "one out of every three sets".I asked him if the reimbursement was cool from Patriot and told me for now he is taking the hit for returns,then laugh alittle said the check is in the mail for him.

You value this advise for what you feel it is worth.Just some insider info for you to consider. :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[Farmer]

is there enough clearance above the aircleaner to use the adapter though?

 

[Gary]

is there enough clearance above the aircleaner to use the adapter though?

I have seen it done on postings here before,so the answer is yes.Guys have mod'ed 5.7 truck aircleaner's and used K&N filters on the tube type aircleaner.The thing is afterwards the same guys said they wanted to change back to the fresh cool air style of aircleaners.