Thread: Vortec heads on a 1989 350 Chevy

Tweet

I plan on putting on a set of 350 vortec heads on a 1989 350 Chevy.I tore down the 350 down tonight and everything looked good.The yard I got the 350 from did hear this one run before it was pulled,ran like a watch coming out of a rolled over 1989 C1500 pickup.I have a set of RHS vortec heads on my shelf looking for use including the special intake manifold using a Holley fuel injection set up.I did my research,will gain at least 50 HP.I was looking into the vortec engine,know the problems with them breaking crankshafts in half tearing the block up and the factory heads are known for cracking.Cons to this?

That's the first I've heard of the cranks breaking. Heads crack from the motor overheating, not sure the cause of the overheating though, but it's not the head's fault. They are victims of something else causing the overheating. Are you planning on using a flat tappet or roller tappet cam?

.

For the most part, Vortec engines are fine. The MTBF (mean time between failures) is more than acceptable in these engines. Heads, rods, cams and cranks almost always crack or break in engines that are either improperly maintained or operated outside normal parameters. There are exceptions, of course, but I'll submit they are a small minority.

Decided to put them on and using a roller cam which I also have good for street use.I have seen a couple vortec 350s with broken crankshafts,broke in half.

I can't comment on the cranks, but the last time I tried to use Vortec heads, I couldn't find a set that wasn't cracked. The shop that was checking them said it was very common. The Vortec motor I was rebuilding looked brand new on the inside. The cylinders were perfect (no measurable wear or taper) and still had the honing marks in the cylinders. The crank was perfect, too. The motor showed no signs of neglect or abuse other than the cracked heads. Curious since they are considered the budget "go to" head for hot rods.

I finally got tired of paying the magnufluxing fees on set after set and went with a different style of head since I didn't need the Vortec intake on my hot rod motor.

Mike