Topic: heads
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I'm parking the L-48 heads off my 77 350 motor.Someone suggested Vortec heads(iron).I have a few questions I know you guys have the answers for.What are fast burn GM heads?Same as Vortec? If Vortec is the way to go,what is the best intake I can get that will fit under the hood using the original carb?Camshaft recomendations? thanks folks,Mikeeee
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Forgot a few facts...Aoutomatic trans,so I need vacuum out of motor for the shifting,want to pick up the compression a bit,but understand I still need flat top pistons,can't have valve overlap because of the need for vacuum,but I want this motor to sound mean.Lousy block is a 2 bolt main.
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
Vortec heads require a specific manifold that has the same shape on the intake port. Edelbrock makes a top end kit that has aluminum e-tec heads (their version of a vortec made of alluminum) a proper manifold, new cam and lifters. Looks like a good setup. Here is a link to one sold by summit.
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
2 bolt mains do not a bad motor make!! I have made 400 hp w/ a 2 bolt main 327 and it never skips a beat, revving up to 6200 rpm. Also, the cam choice plays a BIG part of the equation in how much serviceable vacuum your engine will produce.
LukesVette 2007-01-27 07:39:00
The guys on the Comp Cams help line are very helpful and can assist you in figuring out the best cam to pair up with heads and a stock L48 lower end.
One thing you should do before bumping up comression with smaller combustion chambered heads is take a compression reading on each cylinder. If they are all within serviceable ranges and you have no bottom end worries, you're off to the races!! 
I would personally invest in having the block cleaned, the crank polished and go with new lower end bearings, cam bearings, freeze out plugs and re-ring the pistons. This is labor more than an expense of the parts and cheap insurance that your top end investment will be supported down below. Just some wisdom from my past experiences!!
Good luck with your decision!!
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Saint Paul speaketh the truth about those two-bolt mains, according to legendary high-performance Chevy engine builder. the late great John Lingenfelter.
Quoting from his book "John Lingenfelter On Modifying Small Block Chevy Engines": "There is nothing wrong with a 2-bolt main block for all but the most exotic street small-block."
If it's good enough for Lingenfelter and Lucas (check THAT gorgeous small block out!), it's good enough for me!
Quoting from his book "John Lingenfelter On Modifying Small Block Chevy Engines": "There is nothing wrong with a 2-bolt main block for all but the most exotic street small-block."
If it's good enough for Lingenfelter and Lucas (check THAT gorgeous small block out!), it's good enough for me!
Don't forget about hood clearance. You can use a drop base air cleaner as I had to do.
The Air Gap set up in the link that StreetShark mentioned is nice stuff; however, I agree with Luke.
I think Comp has the best cams and I would start with the cam first. Just my 2 cents.
Have always admired your motor Luke, looks great and I am sure runs like a scalded dogggg!!!!
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Thanks qurtz!! Likewise!
Those lil 327s rev like there's no tomorrow. Unfortlunately, I'm retiring it for a 406 roller engine currently under construction. Using One of Comp Cam's new Thumper series roller cams.
Can't wait to drop that puppy in the Baby!!
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thanks again for ALL the replies.The engine is getting a complete re-do.All new pcs.,balanced,etc. Good friend runs the biggest machine shop in Orlando,Fl.Has done 3 others for me(antique engines) and knows his stuff,Theres just so many options on cams,manifolds,etc. thats why I post questions.....no substitute for experience.
That ought to run like a BIG SCALDED DOGGG!!!, Luke.
Sounds like you are in good hands mikeee. Have fun and good luck, remember the clearance and look at yesterday's thread about got her out today.
The originator, I forget who he was but caught the threaded rod for the carburetor air cleaner through the hood when the shop closed the hood on the girl. Took a while to get her fixed, a true bummer.
gurtz
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Whatever way you decide to go, get ARP bolts and fasteners. They will hold that engine together.
No better fasteners on the market and not that much more expensive.
No better fasteners on the market and not that much more expensive.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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