Thread: Here I go... the 350 buildup begins...

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Maybe the best bet for heads are the Vortec heads available from Summit for a total of about $650. You will spend at least $300 reconditioning the stock heads, I did and then put out $200 more for exhaust porting. At that time I was not aware of the Summit heads but I still might get them. At your early stage of rebuild I would listen carefully to the advice of Tech1 on the build up and cam selection but the Vortec heads are the best bargain for heads, although you will have to get a Vortec manifold to go with them. If you were going to get an aftermarket intake anyway just get the one for the Vortec heads. Another thing to think about is the price of gas, rear ratio and possible OD trans. If you go with an OD or a stiff rear you will need to select a cam that runs good down around 2000 rpm or you will be downshifting a lot. You need to decide whether you are building a driveable street machine or a weekend warrier that will only be driven at a track or on Saturday night when you blow your gas allowance for the week. Just my point of view and my solution was to get an R700OD with a very low ratio in 1st gear and still have the OD for the highway. Another funny thing is that although you start out with a budget, you may get into a situation where you just have to buy what you need to finish it and then don't look back at the total price! If I had thought ahead (a head!) I would have bought the Vortec heads at the gitgo!

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

I am totally taking tech's advice. If I didnt have six children I may consider buying the heads he reccommended