Are Vortec heads center bolt?
Yes, Vortec heads are center bolt heads. Vortec heads, which were introduced by General Motors in the 1990s, feature a center bolt design that secures the cylinder head to the engine block. This design is different from the traditional side bolt configuration used in earlier GM engine heads.
What are Vortec Heads?
Vortec heads are a type of cylinder head design used in many General Motors engines, particularly in the company's small-block V8 engines. The Vortec design was introduced in the mid-1990s as an improvement over the previous generation of GM cylinder heads. The key features of Vortec heads include:
- Center Bolt Design: The Vortec heads are secured to the engine block using a center bolt configuration, with the bolts running directly through the center of the cylinder head. This is different from the side bolt design used in earlier GM heads.
- Improved Airflow: The Vortec heads feature a revised intake and exhaust port design that improves airflow and enhances engine performance.
- Increased Compression Ratio: Vortec heads often have a higher compression ratio compared to previous GM head designs, further boosting engine power.
- Compatibility: Vortec heads are designed to be compatible with a wide range of GM small-block V8 engines, making them a popular upgrade option.
The center bolt design of Vortec heads is a key distinguishing feature that sets them apart from earlier GM cylinder head designs.
Why is the Center Bolt Design Important?
The center bolt design of Vortec heads offers several advantages over the traditional side bolt configuration:
- Improved Sealing: The center bolt design provides a more even distribution of clamping force across the cylinder head, resulting in better sealing and reduced the risk of head gasket failure.
- Enhanced Structural Integrity: The center bolt design creates a stronger, more rigid connection between the cylinder head and engine block, improving the overall structural integrity of the engine.
- Easier Installation: The center bolt design simplifies the process of installing and removing the cylinder heads, making maintenance and repairs more straightforward.
These benefits have made the Vortec center bolt design a popular choice among engine builders and enthusiasts looking to upgrade their GM small-block V8 engines.
Will Vortec heads fit an older 350?
Vortec heads are compatible with earlier-generation blocks, but there are a couple of differences. The Vortec heads use center-bolt valve covers, and the bolt pattern and angle of the intake manifold surface are different. Other than that, everything else should work fine.
What is so special about Vortec heads?
Stock Vortec heads come with pressed-in 3/8-inch rocker studs and do not use guideplates. The rocker arms are guided (also called "rail" rockers) and employ a pair of guides or rails that center the rocker arm over the valve. This eliminates the need for pushrod guideplates.
What is the difference between Vortec heads and regular heads?
Valves spend much more time at . 400-inch lift and below, which is where the Vortec outperforms most other heads. Combine this with high velocity, lack of turbulence, and superior combustion chamber design, and this is where the Vortecs really stand out.
How many valve cover bolts does a 351 modified have?
The 351M/400 has 8 valve cover bolts like the 351C does.
What year did GM go to Center Bolt valve cover?
In 1987, another round of changes were made, this time to the top of the engine. Engine now has Center Bolt valve covers (Figure D), and the intake manifold bolt angle has changed on the four center intake bolts, thus making all previous intakes not applicable to the 1987-1997 Engines.
How much HP do Vortec heads add to a 350?
We were hoping for about 420 hp from the 9.5:1 compression 355 and were pleasantly surprised when our budget-build Vortec 350 made a consistent 430 hp over and over again.
Where do Vortec heads crack?
These ones are 906s. So they have the Preston valve seats so not as common for cracking. But cracking on the deck surface is super common on Vortec heads they have a thin deck.
What year did GM use Vortec heads?
Vortec Heads
They were first used in GM trucks and vans starting in 1966. The L31 GM Vortec heads just weren't simply upgrades to existing heads, and these were a total reinvention based on the 1996 Caprice/Impala SS LT1 cast-iron head castings.
Are all center bolt heads Vortec?
Yes, GM made non-vortec center bolt valve cover heads, if that's what you mean. IIRC, Vortecs have a "sawtooth" stamping on the front of at least one head. Best to check the casting numbers and ask someone on here what you have.
Are Vortec and LS heads the same?
While the performance car engines carried the LS designation, those designed for trucks and SUVs were given the Vortec name . The biggest difference between the Vortec engines and their car cousins was the use of iron blocks (mostly), and the fact that they were often smaller in displacement.
