So I'm thinking of going with vortecs for my engine rebuild. Rebuild will be fairly mild - .030 over stock crank and rods, etc. I have a few questions about the heads, though, for those guys who have done this to their rides.
Intake: what intake did you use? Looks like two popular choices are the Edelbrock Performer and the GMPP option which I think is cast iron. Any thoughts? Will I have problems with clearance if I use a Q-Jet and stock air cleaner ass'y (going to go with one of those covers for it that have a K&N element built in)?
Exhaust: Will my original rams horn manifolds bolt up? I've seen conflicting posts on other sites with some stating that there is a problem with the back bolt on the passenger side. I know, I'll probably get some responses saying to just go with headers, but I don't want the expense and installation/maintenance hassles. Plus I want to keep the stock look and I'd have to get my pipes reconfigured.
Valve covers: has anyone used an adapter to allow use of old-style perimeter bolt covers? This is for that stock look thing, but I'd live without 'em. I might even look for some used L-98 style covers with the center bolts.
Finally - are there any must-do mods before bolting on a set of vortecs? Drilling and tap for screw-in studs? Minor porting in certain areas? Right now my plan is to buy a salvage yard set and have 'em rebuilt to pretty much OEM specs. But I'm flexible.... Also thinking about roller tip rockers....
Thanks - as usual sorry for the long post.
______________
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.