Tbi block to vortec

z327vortec · Jul 21, 2017

I am looking for some info, I installed a gm 350 into my 94 k1500 plow truck 4-5 years ago (about 20,000 miles). Well the truck has completely rusted out beyond repair. I have gotten 1997 k1500 with a 350 vortec but it has bad heads (cracked). Can I just get boneyard heads, install them and vortec intake onto my engine and install into the 97? What else would be involved? Any info would be appreciated , thank you

Keepinitoldskool · Jul 21, 2017

You could, but if it were me i wouldnt just throw some junkyard heads on it. They would at least go into the machine shop for cleaning, checking, decking, and new hardware installed. By then your into it around $300-400 with the purchase of said junkyard heads. So you might want to consider just buying some aftermarket heads if your welling to spend another $300-500

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98chevy2500SS · Jul 21, 2017

I would stick to factory heads if it were me IMO. I would check Craigslist or something other than junkyard heads. I would rather trust factory heads other than aftermarkets. That's just me though.

Hipster · Jul 22, 2017

Junk yard heads would likely be cracked also.

z327vortec · Jul 22, 2017

I haven't done any pricing or availibilty of any heads anywhere but getting junkyard heads having cracks has crossed me mind. When u say $300-500, is that a pair complete or bare? If so who would ya recommend?
Also is that all I would need to do (also timing chain cover) to make work as a vortec?

98chevy2500SS · Jul 24, 2017

I have to agree with @Hipster. You may or may not have cracked head. That's the gamble, I would rather pass on junkyards specifically for that reason.

slowburb · Jul 24, 2017

There is more to this than heads and intake. You can't just put a TBI shortblock together with a vortec top and and let it eat. The cam and valvetrain are not the same. The crank sensor. Etc.

1989GMCSIERRA · Jul 24, 2017

Some TBI blocks were drilled for roller cam/lifter provision. But not all. You'll need roller cam and lifters.
By the time you're done you might as well go pull a junkyard Vortec. I had one installed in a service truck for 1400 bucks with a one year warranty

sntrym · Jul 24, 2017

slowburb said:
There is more to this than heads and intake. You can't just put a TBI shortblock together with a vortec top and and let it eat. The cam and valvetrain are not the same. The crank sensor. Etc.

In addition to swapping the cam, you might not have the retainer plate bosses drilled in the TBI block. They have the bosses but they are not drilled and tapped in the 94s and 95s. They were in the earlier engines but GM stopped doing the extra work.

At the very least you will need some machine work done on the TBI engine, swap the vortec's cam in, and replace the TBI timing cover with one that will accept the crank sensor. Then you can start thinking about heads.

You are probably better off getting an aftermarket set of heads or at least some refurbished Vortecs, or a rebuilt engine or crate motor.

Hipster · Jul 25, 2017

I have pulled several 93-94 blocks apart. The ones I did, did not have the retainer bosses cast into them. No where to drill for the retainer other then directly into the oil galley, and the blocks weren't relieved for the lifter retainers.

Tbi block to vortec

z327vortec

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