355 small block build
#1
355 small block build
Hi all and thanks for looking, I have an older 350 small block with 2 bolt main bored .030 over got a set of vortec heads on it now with flat top pistons I would like to install the lt4 hot cam kit from jegs.Com and am wondering what mods will be needed for it to work. I know that block will need tapped out for the cam retainer since it will be roller not flat tappet cam and might need to do some work on heads so new springs will work but just looking for some more info ideas and such. Tia!
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
what you intend on sticking it in, and what you intend to do with the vehicle makes a big difference in what cam and stuff you want to do. there are a bunch of vortec head specific stuff that you have to do. a carb will require that specific adapter manifold. any cam .4 lift needs aftermarket springs they say. alot of times you will be better off performance and price wise selling the vortec heads, getting standard aftermarket sbc stuff. some good aftermarket heads like afr, are worlds ahead of any stock gm stuff, and all the available parts that you need to go with it are way less money because its less specific to one combo.
#3
Dropping it in a '64 elco. Its going to just be a streeter mostly. I found a kit with the springs and all looks like it will be about a grand to achieve the roller swap. I will have to shave valve guides for springs but I seen comp cams has a tool for that it chucks into a drill. Was thinking about going with lifters with the horizontal connector so I don't have to machine block for the dog bone hold down or the spider or whatever its called. Would really like to stick with the vortec heads. The intake I ordered said it is a vortec intake so do you think I will still need adapter plate?
#4
Retired
If your using the stock 96+ Vortec intake manifold, then I think you have to use the 96+ Vortec heads also. They are not interchangeable with pre-Vortec parts.
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Retired Administrator
2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
Retired Administrator
2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
#5
Senior Member
True Car Nut
i have never done it, its expensive PITA. a stock vortec makes 250, and you got to spend a grand to make 300 maybe. the intakes are like 250-400 bucks. you can get the whole gen1 power package for like 2k and you end up with 400hp. or there are assembled steel heads that probably make 350 for about 600 and all the other gen 1 parts are half the cost of the vortec stuff.
Last edited by jwfirebird; 12-15-2014 at 07:20 AM.
#6
Senior Member
If your ordered the GM performance, or Edelbrock 4 barrel intake for the vortech heads you won't need any adapters. With the flattops and vortech heads your compression should be decent. Not sure if the older block will have the bosses for the lifter guide bolts. With the older blocks to go roller you usually need to buy Jessel style lifters with the tie bar. A call to your local machine shop might be a good idea, most of them have built thousands of small blocks and can give you a good idea of what you need to order.
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