Anyone used Vortec Heads on a TBI 350?

Seeking Advice on Vortec Heads for TBI 350 Upgrade

Hello everyone,
I’m currently exploring some options for upgrading my Throttle Body Injected (TBI) 350 engine, and I’ve been particularly interested in Vortec cylinder heads. I’m looking for any insights or experiences you all might have regarding this upgrade.

Why Vortec Heads?

I’ve heard that Vortec heads can significantly improve airflow and overall performance of the 350 engine, but I want to know more about the practical aspects:

  • Compatibility: Will these heads fit seamlessly with TBI setup? Are there any modifications needed?
  • Performance Gains: Has anyone seen a noticeable performance increase after making this change? What kind of horsepower and torque improvements can I expect?
  • Installation Tips: If you’ve done the swap yourself, I’d love to hear about the process. Any special tools or tricks you found helpful?
  • Aftermarket Options: Are there specific brands or models of Vortec heads you’d recommend over others? I’m keen on finding reliable quality without breaking the bank.

Additional Considerations

I’d also appreciate any advice on other supporting modifications that might enhance performance alongside the heads. Maybe some exhaust upgrades or changes in the fuel delivery?

Thanks a lot for your help! Looking forward to your responses. Cheers!

I have Vortec heads on my TBI 350, and they really bring the engine to life! You might need to modify the intake to ensure a proper fit. Just be ready for some wiring adjustments too.

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That’s great to hear! What exact modifications did you have to perform on the intake? I’m curious about the bolt pattern compatibility as well.

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The Vortec heads have a different bolt pattern than older heads, so make sure you have the right gaskets! The extra airflow is worth the hassle if you want more power.

Totally agree! It can be a pain, but the performance gain is substantial. Don’t forget about the headers; they might need some tweaking too.

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I did this swap on my TBI 350 without too many issues! Just make sure to check the compression ratio after installation; you don’t want any surprises on the first start.

Absolutely! Also, do you think adjusting the timing is necessary after the swap?

Good point about timing. I recommend adjusting it after the swap to get the best performance. You might find you’ll need a new chip for your TBI unit too.

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Thanks for the heads up! Do you think making these adjustments will affect fuel economy?

That makes sense! I just want to enjoy the power gain without sacrificing too much on the daily commute.

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With Vortec heads, you may see a slight drop in fuel economy, but the performance boost is usually worth it. Just keep an eye on your tuning.

Installing Vortec heads on a TBI setup can feel like threading a needle! Just need precision on those modifications, and everything should run smoothly. Anyone want to share their experiences?

True! It’s like mixing science with art. Have any of you faced any weird issues during your installs?

I had a weird vacuum leak after my install. It turned out to be an oversight on the intake manifold fitment! A little troubleshooting goes a long way.

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Haha, who hasn’t had a vacuum leak issue? It’s like a rite of passage for every gearhead! Just double-check everything before closing up.

Looking back at my own install with Vortec heads, it was a learning curve for sure! It’s totally rewarding once it’s all done, though. Just take your time.

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That sounds awesome, Tyler! Did you do anything else along with the heads, like changing the cam or headers?

I’ve used Vortec heads on my TBI 350 and noticed a significant increase in horsepower and torque. It really transformed the performance! Definitely worth the upgrade.

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When I switched to Vortec heads, I also upgraded my exhaust system. I gained about 30 HP on the dyno. Fuel efficiency also improved - about 2-3 mpg more.

That kind of improvement is enticing! How was the actual installation process? Did you run into any issues?

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