aftermarket heads

[Troyport]

Getting ahead of myself... but if I have to remove one of my heads because of a broken spark plug, I would probably just remove both and have them refurbished. Local, well respected machine shop says $125 - $500 per head depending what is needed. I want nothing special, nothing modified... but wondering if just buying an aftermarket factory-style head would be the safer bet... What company does anyone here suggest? 1987 350 V20 (over 8500 gvw) I have looked at iron heads on the Jeggs website... are they any good? thanks.

 

[xm20k]

Summit sells Vortec heads capable of .525 lift and thread in studs complete. These require a vortec intake manifold. The older style cast heads will most likely have press in studs which I would never trust and would have to have machined for screw in studs before even considering using.

CHEVROLET Summit Racing SUM-151120 Summit Racing™ Vortec Cast Iron Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Vortec Cast Iron Cylinder Heads with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Cylinder Heads at Summit Racing.

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Myself I went with the aluminum flowteks for the old engine from my truck before I put the 388 in. they have a better chamber, lift, and slightly cheaper, also can just paint them if you don't want them to stand out. They have 4 different versions straight and angled plug as well as either setup for flat tappet or roller cam. just make sure you grab the correct version.

CHEVROLET Flotek 101-505 FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

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CHEVROLET Flotek 102-505 FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Cylinder Heads at Summit Racing.

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CHEVROLET Flotek 101-505FT FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Cylinder Heads at Summit Racing.

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CHEVROLET Flotek 102-505FT FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - FLOTEK 180cc Small Block Chevy Cylinder Heads with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Cylinder Heads at Summit Racing.

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[fast 99]

Cracked heads is a possibility on old vehicles. Before I spent 500 on the original heads look into aftermarket availability. Even the cheapest aftermarket head will flow better than stock but be careful selecting which one. These trucks are heavy. Too much cam or large port heads will sacrifice low end and millage for an RPM range you may seldom use.

 

[CalSgt]

Another vote for Vortec heads, in the '90s people used to claim the head swap to vortecs alone was worth 30-40 hp...

like @xm20k said they would require a new intake manifold, I'm assuming your '87 has TBI. GM performance parts used to sell an aluminum TBI intake manifold for the Vortec heads but I'm not sure what's available anymore.

 

[gympsy]

If it were me, I’d probably go the machine shop route first, especially if the heads are original and not cracked. That way you know what you’re working with. But if you go aftermarket, Jegs iron heads seem solid for a basic rebuild — I’ve seen decent reviews. Just avoid anything too “performance” if you want stock feel. Peace of mind matters either way.