First Gen SBC hearders and Vortec heads

Busted_Knuckles · Jul 21, 2012

Ok I know this question has probably been asked before but I couldn't find it so here goes. I will be using Vortec heads on my engine project for my Nomad why you ask, because I got a killer deal on a Barry Grant Six shooter set up and I've always been a nut for Tri-power set ups. So that being said I will most likely go with a nice set of after market aluminum heads I know they will fit on a first generation block which will allow me to utilize the stock front motor mounts and bell housing mounts etc. I have a brand new still in the box pair of stainless steel block hugger headers for a first generation sbc.
So I owuld really like to be able to use them if possible. if need be I guess I could replace the flanges with Vortec one's but I owuld really hate to have to do that. I know a lot recommend side mounts but I like to use the block hugger style headers as the front of the car will be pretty low and I am concerned with clearance issue running conventional long tube headers.

Thanks

Busted_Knuckles · Jul 22, 2012

snaptwo thanks for the info but I am going to run the block hugger headers I got from Speedway, the 57 I saw last night at a local car show is running them on an LS1. I've seen the car around now for 4 or 5 years and noticed that it's a first class resto mod but last night was the first time I payed close attention to what exhaust he was running. I can't attest to whose valve covers he's running just chrome stamped steel but he looks like he has plenty of clearance. I can send you a pic or post it in my garage if you like

snaptwo · Jul 22, 2012

Just a word of caution on the ramhorn on vortec heads , I did a quick measurement on the center plugs of an old #882 --4 1/4" cl to cl., vortecs measured 4" cl to cl. , end ports were fine . The ramhorns I got from the Jeg boys are 2.5 outlet , like the old vette ones. They are veerry close to the valve cover/flange/ gasket surface. Someone mentioned doubling the ex. gaskets and grinding a relief in the manifold itself. I do have a friend that is bringing over a pair of genuine 2.5" ramhorns just to see if these knockoffs are fairly close as some of the finish machine work is a bit suspect.

warren57 · Jul 21, 2012

Watch clearance of header tubes to spark plugs. Spark plug locations moved slightly with Vortec heads. When I was looking for headers about a year ago, the only mfg. that stated their headers would fit were Heddman. Sanderson said definately not, the others didn't really know. Doug's said yes but a little over my budget.
You might want to pull up a detailed spec sheet to see the spark plug changes and double check.
Good luck

hotrodg726 · Jul 21, 2012

standard sbc headers work fine on vortec heads. I have done this on customers cars very often.

Busted_Knuckles · Jul 22, 2012

Well hotrod726 you made my day, these are from Speedway motors whose tech department was closed so they couldn't give me an answer but we just returned form a local car show where I saw a 57 with an LS1 that I've seen there several times and he was running rams horn manifolds his buddy said he was building a 57 using the same combinations I was mentioning except the intake set up and he's using block hugger headers as well.

First Gen SBC hearders and Vortec heads

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