Head to head: Vortec vs Edelbrock

[mobileortho]

I've done my reasearch but wanted to get the opinion from you guys on head selection. I'm looking to up the hp on my stock crate engine I bought a couple of years ago. In its current form it's rated at 260, but I know a head and cam change will work wonders.

I have the option to buy a set of Vortec (906) heads & ( media blasted) Edelbrock RPM airgap (7516) intake to match. Cleaned, checked ,valve job done with upgraded valve springs 525-550. Price- $380. The other option is a set is Edelbrock EStreet heads 64cc 202 for $650.

Right now, im leaning towards the Edelbrocks, I'm currently running tpi using the Edelbrock hi-flo base plate and runners and I like the idea of having matched parts. Just add a Performer cam.
Thoughts?

[Jemezcrusher]

If the Edelbrock's are more HP, I would go that way. No second guessing if the money is not the issue

[mobileortho]

Cost wise it'd be a wash. I'd have to get a carb, distributor, fuel pump etc. with the Vortec.

[Rickysnickers]

Another vote for Edelbrock.

[54 LS-3100]

I have an aluminum set of L98 heads I would sell!

I would say Eldelbrock though.

If you decide to go vortec, watch this video. It shows what is needed to make the votecs preform. I am sure you are already aware of the issues with running a decent sized cam on a stock cast vortec head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbd33oEyCbU&t=569s

Good luck with the motor. Sounds like it will be pretty healthy when you get done!

[tmoble]

ahhh..... forget the Eddie cam. It's antiquated design that produces little power considering the rough idle and poor off-idle power. Seems to be a grind left over from the 80's. There's much better available.

[1project2many]

When upgrading from a classic Chevrolet head design, it doesn't take a huge amount of work to make a difference with a nearly stock Vortec head. The expense gets higher when you start chasing 400+ hp. Installing a set of "cheater" springs and cutting the spring seats is a good starting point. The same trick has worked in many budget LT1 builds. Larger intake valves and bowl work is also a reasonable investment. The same changes to the exhaust side don't return as much power with a mild cam so many folks skip the hot side work. The E series heads are ok but you might want to think about how much power you're trying to build and how you want the truck to feel before investing in a larger street head. Sometimes the quest for more power, especially with a carburetor, takes a truck from "nice to drive" into PITA territory.

[1project2many]

I didn't get a chance to add that you can get a Vortec base plate for your TPI from Scoggin-Dickey. The TPI manifold isn't a great top end performer although you could invest in a FIRST system for up to 450 hp. Personally I'd stay with EFI on the Vortec's and I'd look around for a deal on a different intake.

[mobileortho]

Originally Posted by tmoble

ahhh..... forget the Eddie cam. It's antiquated design that produces little power considering the rough idle and poor off-idle power. Seems to be a grind left over from the 80's. There's much better available.

I missed out on the original set but I did decide on the Vortec. I found another set though for a decent price that will need to be freshened up. I'm sticking with the tpi with the SD intake. What other camshaft would be recommended? The heads are stock & I don't want anything really radical. Just trying to bump the 260 hp motor up to 300+.

[1project2many]

There are plenty of good cams. I matched an lt4 HOT cam with L31 heads that had spring seats lowered, 2.02 / 1.50, and 1.6 rockers. It sounded good and was a very strong performer in the 400 hp range. Here's a thread with a similar build.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...c-lt4-hot.html

[mobileortho]

Patience paid off!! Finally pulled the trigger on a set of Vortec heads. Found a set of 906 with PRW 1.5 roller rockers and roller lifters for a steal! With the valve job, total cost was $340! The rockers alone cost close to that new! Still trying to decide on the cam, thinking about the afore mentioned hot cam or Xtreme Energy 256H. I’ll probably keep the tpi and get the Scoggins intake. I’ll be smelling tire smoke in the near future!

[whitedog76]

I'm assuming your heads are still stock by your cam choice? I know the Vortecs had some issues with overall lift.

Your combination should put you well over the 300 hp mark. Probably 400 torque.

Buy some stock in rubber.

[mobileortho]

Yep, heads are stock.

[vintovka]

After my recent and distasteful experience with Edelbrock products and customer service i would never recommend them.