Help Me Pick Some Heads For Christmas Present

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by Nuckingfuts

Good find but won't I need to upgrade intake, rocker arms, etc?

no to the intake- use the one you have now. rockers -yes, but $68.80

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Elgin-Engin...pZ-MMG&vxp=mtr

[Nuckingfuts]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

no to the intake- use the one you have now. rockers -yes, but $68.80

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Elgin-Engin...pZ-MMG&vxp=mtr

I probably should have schooled myself before hand on the differences between the stock and vortec head (now I have to some extent) but you're right and that's great!! That brings this option to within budget constraints for sure as now I don't have to buy an intake, head bolts or center bolt covers.

Let me ask a few follow up questions comparing the Summit Heads linked above (SUM-151124) vs. the ebay linked EngineQuest Heads:

1. Made in USA vs. New Zealand, quality concerns/differences to be aware of?
2. Performance between the two expected to be relatively equal?
3. Summit heads require some machining to accommodate guide plates, is it safe to assume that I don't need to machine or install guide plates if I am using self-aligning rockers?


As far as the economics compare:

Option 1:
Summit Heads $700/pr
Summit Manifold SUM-226018 $160
Self-aligning Rockers $70
Head Bolts $70
Valve covers ~$100
Misc Fel-pro gaskets $50
TOTAL= $1150

Option 2:
EngineQuest Heads $740
Self-aligning Rockers $70
Misc Fel-pro gaskets $50
TOTAL= $860

Am I missing any questions or parts/machining costs?