guitarfreak235
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2012
- Posts
- 643
- Reaction score
- 38
- Location
- Spartanburg S.C.
- First Name
- Andrew
- Truck Year
- 86 86
- Truck Model
- k10 c20
- Engine Size
- 350 350
Well I finally have the 350 running straight and decided to take the plunge and do a vortec head swap! ive done a ton of research and am excited to see the results. i have just a few questions as i prepare
The 350 is a 4 bolt main early-mid 70s ls9 code. came from a 75 but valve covers said 73. unsure if it was the original engine.
right now its stock cam'd with true dual exhaust/headers, and the 86 quadrajet.
I just bought a donor engine from a 97 1500. 5.7 vortec 906 castings.
For the intake manifold, I got an aluminum high rise, single plane manifold for cheap off craigslist. Its square bore and obviously the q-jet is spreadbore. In terms of adapters does anyone have experience with using an edelbrock 2693 offset adapter or something like it? the carb is offset slightly to the rear to help, supposedly, with mixture distribution on single plane, square manifolds fitted with spread bore carbs. I know its a long shot but just curious if anyone knows.
For clearance and access purposes, I have an edelbrock foam style breather. The triangular shaped one called pro-flo.
Lastly, my torque will probably be a bit much for the 700r4, even with the stock cam. This in addition to the fact that I dont haul anything, makes me want to be sure the trans is safe. I may want to get a new cam but do not want monster torque to blow the tranny.
Im looking for as much power as possible in the mid-upper range, while not over torquing the tranny, and not sacrificing drivability/cruising. Its my DD so I want it to be strong without sacrificing good cruising manners.
As of now, I have the stock 73~5 cam in. I was wondering if the engine would be better with the old cam, or the vortec cam.
Is the vortec cam flat tappet? can it be used in my motor?
With that being said, I am about ready to get this show on the road. It doesnt seem that we have a vortec head swap how-to, so I figured I would document the process and make a potential sticky for those who want to try it. Seems like plently of people ask about this.
The 350 is a 4 bolt main early-mid 70s ls9 code. came from a 75 but valve covers said 73. unsure if it was the original engine.
right now its stock cam'd with true dual exhaust/headers, and the 86 quadrajet.
I just bought a donor engine from a 97 1500. 5.7 vortec 906 castings.
For the intake manifold, I got an aluminum high rise, single plane manifold for cheap off craigslist. Its square bore and obviously the q-jet is spreadbore. In terms of adapters does anyone have experience with using an edelbrock 2693 offset adapter or something like it? the carb is offset slightly to the rear to help, supposedly, with mixture distribution on single plane, square manifolds fitted with spread bore carbs. I know its a long shot but just curious if anyone knows.
For clearance and access purposes, I have an edelbrock foam style breather. The triangular shaped one called pro-flo.
Lastly, my torque will probably be a bit much for the 700r4, even with the stock cam. This in addition to the fact that I dont haul anything, makes me want to be sure the trans is safe. I may want to get a new cam but do not want monster torque to blow the tranny.
Im looking for as much power as possible in the mid-upper range, while not over torquing the tranny, and not sacrificing drivability/cruising. Its my DD so I want it to be strong without sacrificing good cruising manners.
As of now, I have the stock 73~5 cam in. I was wondering if the engine would be better with the old cam, or the vortec cam.
Is the vortec cam flat tappet? can it be used in my motor?
With that being said, I am about ready to get this show on the road. It doesnt seem that we have a vortec head swap how-to, so I figured I would document the process and make a potential sticky for those who want to try it. Seems like plently of people ask about this.
idle mainly. 
