Need help identifying a big block

[bucket]

Bextreme04...no it's 100% a 9. I've looked at it with a magnifying glass, took an imprint with silly putty, used paper and a pencil and rubbed the numbers on and it's definitely a 9. I'd post a picture of it but I can't seem to post any pictures on this site. Maybe it's got restrictions on new members or something

There's no restrictions for new members. When posting, click on the Upload a File button.

 

[Bextreme04]

Bextreme04...I've thought about doing the vortec heads and I've even got a decent set I've found for pretty cheap. But that damn intake that goes to vortec heads and a TBI unit is to darn expensive!!

There is a difference between vortec and non-vortec bolt patterns for small blocks. There is no such difference for the Big Blocks. The switch from peanut port to Vortec heads should be a direct swap. The intake and TBI setup will swap right over to the vortec heads with no additional changes.

 

[Mike Harrington]

So the intake bolts on the vortec big block are not straight up and down like the SBC? Interesting

 

[bucket]

So the intake bolts on the vortec big block are not straight up and down like the SBC? Interesting

Nope, the pattern is the same.

The GM big block didn't get drastic changes like that until the LS-style 8.1 liter.

 

[Bextreme04]

The one thing to look out for with the Vortec heads is there is no central heat riser passage on the heads. So if you are using a carb intake, make sure it has an electric choke because there is nothing to heat up a mechanical choke. Other than that, the coolant passages are the only difference. I would recommend different springs and removing the valve rotators... rotator removal shims are cheap, but BBC valve springs can be pricey.