How to choose (poll)

[JasonG]

Noticed the other day that I have a cracked Cylinder head. Nothing major yet but figured is a sign since I have rebuilt almost everything else this is the last thing that hasn't been touched. I am figuring its a good excuse to do a freshen up but which way to go. This is a daily driver slight off road rig and used to tow a small 20 ft camper.

1) Just pull heads replace with Vortec toss in a cam and an Edelbrock intake and a new timing chain

2) Get an OEM tbi crate swap over everything and just have a simple direct bolt in as close to factory as possible

3) Get a carb crate engine the only issue is I have to get the 4l80E to play nice with that might be a pain . along with some other wiring and stuff

4) Get an already built tbi turn key is about which cost a bit more and still have some outside work to do more fuel and find someone who can do chip tuning

 

[sntrym]

Assuming this is a 350. 1 and 4 will require tuning. I did the Vortec swap and it's not as simple as you would think. There was a lot of fab work to be done on brackets, etc. since the bolt pattern is different. Simplicity says 2, but I voted 4 if it's in your budget. Dave at gearhead efi can help with tuning. I ran a Harris chip for awhile but wasn't impressed, and I couldn't adjust it. Tuning with Dave now to get the Vortec to work well with the TBI

 

[OutlawDrifter]

I voted #4. Depending on the dollars you are looking at spending, I'm going to throw in another option.

#5 6.0L swap

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Dave at gearhead efi can help with tuning. I ran a Harris chip for awhile but wasn't impressed, and I couldn't adjust it.

I did the same thing with Harris 1st (same results as @sntrym), then Dave with a conversion to a flash chip (SST 27Sf512) so I can flash my own calibrations 2nd, then I bought the EBL Flash-II and WBO2. The only issue is the EBL can't control your 4L80E so, that will make it more challenging. I vote #4 (and you can get more than 325HP with good low end torque.)

 

[Erik the Awful]

Daily driver? Port some 1.94" valve TBI heads (193 casting) and install. Tweak it for fuel economy. Buy a second truck and put a cammed stroker motor in it.

 

[Schurkey]

Noticed the other day that I have a cracked Cylinder head. Nothing major yet but figured is a sign since I have rebuilt almost everything else this is the last thing that hasn't been touched...

1) Just pull heads replace with Vortec toss in a cam and an Edelbrock intake and a new timing chain

4) Get an already built tbi turn key is about which cost a bit more and still have some outside work to do more fuel and find someone who can do chip tuning

WHAT VEHICLE??? Is this a TBI engine now?

Consider "1B". Install Summit TBI heads instead of Vortec, don't dick with the Edelbrock intake, and don't install a timing set unless it actually needs one. Original intake bolts right up, no fabricating EGR or brackets.

 

[JasonG]

Wow Cant believe I for got that part 1993 Chevy k2500...How would I contact Dave? The 6.0l swap just isn't something I want to do again. I did it in a RCSB and boosted it some years ago with a buddy. I have tossed the idea around with just replacing heads and maybe a little machine work and call it a day as well. Also noticing that a lot of people I have talked to are saying the same thing about the Vortec swap that is almost not worth it due to all the little stuff that has to be done.

 

[1ton-o-fun]

Ok great. We know what vehicle we're dealing with, but what is it going to spend 90% of it's time doing?

For instance, I know that what I plan on doing to my truck isn't optimal for daily use (500 cubic inches, 4.10 gears, big ass truck). But I don't need a truck very often, so I can accept that.

Mine is a '93 also. I have a complete '97 Vortec Tahoe for parts. Lots of things (AC, water pump...) are different on Vortec engines. Not impossible, but like others have said, not simple as it sounds.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

How would I contact Dave?

His name is Dave w (Old School EFI) over at Gearhead-EFI.com

Also noticing that a lot of people I have talked to are saying the same thing about the Vortec swap that is almost not worth it due to all the little stuff that has to be done.

As @Schurkey suggested, you can get these heads from Summit Racing (made by Trick Flow). They flow better than Vortec heads AND will bolt up to your intake manifold and accessories. They come with guide plates so you'll need either hardened push rods or, you can remove the plates and use hardened washers for spacers and keep your stock rockers. I bought mine about 2-1/2 years ago and am happy with them. I have chromoly push rods with 1.6 full roller rockers.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-162108

 

[JasonG]

Not sure about a grand for cylinder heads on a 175k mile engine