Vortech Heads.....Not as "cheap"as they're made out to be

I just got my Super Chevy mag (Feb. 2003) and they have an excellent break down of the price for the famous Vortech heads.

The reason I am posting this is because so many people claim they are a bargan when in reality there are a lot of hidden costs that add up almost the price of aluminum heads.

Here is the price break down

Vortec heads (PN SD8060A)
($319.50x2)=$639.00
**These heads can handle .55" lift, I think they just swap to Z-28 springs

Edelbrock Performer Vortech manifold (PN 7516)
$209
**This has the proper bolt pattern for the Vortech heads, you can't used older manifolds w/o machining the heads

Valve cover gaskets (PN 10046089)
($9.95x2)=$19.90

Center-bolt valve covers (PN 12555270,12555271)
($31x2)=$62
**These things are ugly, if you are looking for some better looking ones look to pay around $100 for them.

Valve Cover bolts (PN 12338092)
($1.07x8)=$8.56

Oil fill cap (PN 10108650)
$4.19

Intake gaskets (PN 12529094)
$18.85

Comp Cams 1.5:1 rocker arms (PN1417-16 from summit)
$191.95
**The regular stamped ones cost you $55, I called about them. Just remember they have to be self aligning if you are using the studs already in the heads. Thats one of the catches!

Spark Plugs
$16.00
**They aren't the same plugs that are used in the stock heads

Intake bolts 5/16-18x1 1/2 inch
8-$4.00

Total price $1174.40

Don't get me wrong. These are some excellent flowing heads right out of the box and many people have achieved more than 400hp/400ftlbs of torque with these heads.

[69MyWay]

I agree 100%. This is why a "ready to go" set of Edlebrocks, Darts, etc are a better deal as they flow more, and are within a few dollars of the Vortec conversion.

I also remind people that after you buy say the Edlebrock heads, you still have to get head bolts, gaskets, different push rods (hardened) and rockers. So, a $925 set of RPM heads still cost you about $1,200. However, apples to apples, the flow more than the Vortec and are lighter weight.

Yup

I agree.

Hey Chris I like your Avatar!

[69MyWay]

Originally posted by sscam69
Yup

I agree.

Hey Chris I like your Avatar!

That is my "Freak mode" picture.

Could you imagine hearing a noise in your workshop late at night, stepping outside, raising the door, and seeing the car glowing like that???????

Could you imagine riding in your 5.0 mustang and seeing that zoom up behind in the rear view. I think that picture says "slower traffic, please use right hand lane"