Vortec, springs, and K-kits....
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From: Houston, Texas
Vortec, springs, and K-kits.... So I'm planning on using Vortec heads on my sbc, but I need more than .430 lift to get the job done. By dumb luck I ran across an article in the October 2003 Issue of Car Craft on my lunch break having to do with better a bolt in valvespring for Vortec Heads 
Well in this article they say that Comp Cams' beehive springs fit w/o any machining and increase lift to .550. I called up comp cams (their rep was a total ********) and before I hung up on him he suggested I buy their K-kit for a little over $730.
My first question is: What all is involved in a K-kit? I've looked through their site and couldn't find all that is included.
Second: Why would I buy a K-kit over just new springs and retainers, note that I don't plan on winding this engine up over 6,000 RPM.
Well in this article they say that Comp Cams' beehive springs fit w/o any machining and increase lift to .550. I called up comp cams (their rep was a total ********) and before I hung up on him he suggested I buy their K-kit for a little over $730.
My first question is: What all is involved in a K-kit? I've looked through their site and couldn't find all that is included.
Second: Why would I buy a K-kit over just new springs and retainers, note that I don't plan on winding this engine up over 6,000 RPM.
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From: Foley, Alabama-southern Alabama
Hey Will, what cam are you wanting to use? The problem on Vortec sbc heads is spring retainer to valve seal clearance...470 is about the limit,if you're getting new valves you can get .100 longer valves and use the 26918 Comp beehive springs that if you are using a rollercam, as these are1.800 installed ht. normal sbc springs are 1.700, with this set-up you can go .570 lift no problem.If you don't want to go that route you can machine for different valve seals and use some less expensive springs.I just went through this with Vortec heads myself,if you have any questions just let me know?? 
PS: the reason I say rollercam with those springs is they have too much seat pressure for flat tappet!!
PS: the reason I say rollercam with those springs is they have too much seat pressure for flat tappet!! Thread Starter
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I forgot to mention the new valves too, forgot that part 
I still don't know which cam to use for sure, the guy I was dealing with at comp cams was a total dick so I hung up on him before I could get a good answer. I'll call them back Monday. The cam they mentioned was an 08-432-8 in their catalog, but this was before I could give out a whole lot of information.
I still don't know which cam to use for sure, the guy I was dealing with at comp cams was a total dick so I hung up on him before I could get a good answer. I'll call them back Monday. The cam they mentioned was an 08-432-8 in their catalog, but this was before I could give out a whole lot of information.
It would probably be easier and cheaper to just contact SDPC at www.sdpc200.com they sell vortec heads that have already had all the machining and new springs to take the lift your looking for. I built an engine for one of my buddies and we got everything we needed from them.
EDIT: I've built a couple of engines with those heads with cams from comp that range from the xtreme 262 and up so if ya have any questions let me know
EDIT: I've built a couple of engines with those heads with cams from comp that range from the xtreme 262 and up so if ya have any questions let me know
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Heres a link for there whole kits that include intake, gaskets, yada yada yada
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...art&catid=2172
If your just wanting heads and nothing else (you'll need a vortec style intake, I've always used edelbrock's rpm air gap and the correct gaskets for that style intake) heres the link
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...d=277&pid=9063
theres also different things they'll do for ya with those heads
part number sd8060agp will take up to .525 lift w/ guide plates for $356.47 ea
part number sd8060ra will take up to .600 lift w/out guide plates for $326.50 ea (recommended for roller cams)
part number sd8060ragp will take up to .600 lift w/ guide plates for $366.47 ea (recommended for roller cams)
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...art&catid=2172
If your just wanting heads and nothing else (you'll need a vortec style intake, I've always used edelbrock's rpm air gap and the correct gaskets for that style intake) heres the link
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...d=277&pid=9063
theres also different things they'll do for ya with those heads
part number sd8060agp will take up to .525 lift w/ guide plates for $356.47 ea
part number sd8060ra will take up to .600 lift w/out guide plates for $326.50 ea (recommended for roller cams)
part number sd8060ragp will take up to .600 lift w/ guide plates for $366.47 ea (recommended for roller cams)
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From: Foley, Alabama-southern Alabama
Hey Will, could I ask why you want to use Vortec heads? They are good heads but by the time you get them ready for high performance you 'll have as much money in them as aftermarket aluminum heads, if not more.I'm not being smart as I love my Vortec heads, but have way too much money and work in them. 
Originally Posted by FASTONE
Hey Will, could I ask why you want to use Vortec heads? They are good heads but by the time you get them ready for high performance you 'll have as much money in them as aftermarket aluminum heads, if not more.I'm not being smart as I love my Vortec heads, but have way too much money and work in them.
You can't beat $700 for a set of heads, that actually outflow GM's fast burn aluminum heads.
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Summit has the high lift version of the Vortec heads (up to .550 lift) for $370 a piece.
Awesome deal.
High lift vortec heads
Awesome deal.
High lift vortec heads
Do they have any good performance parts for a 99 Tahoe? My truck stock has Vortec heads, it's the L31 engine. I'm going to pull the engine at 150k and drop in a stock rebuilt one with new rings, bearings, small cam and maybe do a little work on the heads.
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From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by FASTONE
Hey Will, could I ask why you want to use Vortec heads? They are good heads but by the time you get them ready for high performance you 'll have as much money in them as aftermarket aluminum heads, if not more.I'm not being smart as I love my Vortec heads, but have way too much money and work in them.
