vortec swap question
 

im getting a set of vortec heads and intake for my 400. im going to have them hot tanked and dilled for the steam holes but i need to know if there are special head bolts for Vortec heads. Also will i use normal 400 sbc head gaskets and a 96-00 350 intake gasket set out of a truck??

can this swap be done without pulling the motor in my truck because the motor really doesnt need to come out i just want to get the old crappy worn out heads off it.

Re: vortec swap question
 

u can use standered head bolts and u will have to use head gaskets for the 400 due to the steam holes and u will need to use the 96 on intake gaskets....no u do not need to pull ur motor to do it. i did the same swap on my 86 k/20 and im using the same heads on my 67 k/20... hope this helps ya

Re: vortec swap question
 

I agree with 67k/20.....I would like to add, get the best intake gaskets that you can afford, and make sure you follow the proper torque sequence and specs on the intake bolts. A set of Vortec heads and a bit of a cam upgrade (XE2624X) will really wake up an otherwise stock SB 400.

Re: vortec swap question
 

I did a vortec swap a little while back, and a a comp xe268 and it definately woke my motor right up. I originally thought it would save me some hassle leaving the motor in as my truck sits pretty low but looking back on it, i wouldve much rather pulled the motor as leaning over the fender taking the head bolts out, torquing the new ones etc. gets old fast. just my opinion. good luck on the swap, look into a cam while its all apart.

Re: vortec swap question
 

also, if you pull the motor you can paint it up real nice and say its a brand new rebuild ;)