Vortec heads and TBI?

[Hipster]

I'm reading some conflicting info on whether Vortec heads will work on a stock cammed, stock computer TBI setup.

Some say yes and some say no. What's the straight scoop?

My 92 needs an engine, and I happen to have a Tbi engine with new vortecs ready to go that I was going to use in another project.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

You can use Vortec heads on a TBI block but your intake manifold won't bolt up.

 

[Stepside_fever95]

Edelbrock makes a tbi intake manifold for vortec heads if I'm not mistaken.

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Chevy Performance does for $500 plus the EGR valve is in a different position than stock TBI or this Edelbrock 3704. It's cheaper to buy a vortec manifold and a TBI adapter. Or buy these heads, they flow way better than vortec. I bought them and the 3704 for my build, I'm happy with them.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-3704

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12496821

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-162108/overview/make/chevrolet

 

[andy396]

You’ll likely need a chip tuned to make it run it’s best, but it’ll probably run. When I converted my boat 5.7 to the vortec heads and a higher lift cam I kept the same distributor curve but it only took a slight adjustment to the carb. I have an O2 sensor installed to confirm my tuning.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

You’ll likely need a chip tuned to make it run it’s best, but it’ll probably run.

Ditto!

 

[Hipster]

Ok, thanks. I knew about needing the intake. I was more concerned about needing a chip. I'll probably just have the tbi heads cleaned up

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I'll probably just have the tbi heads cleaned up

Well, that's no fun!

 

[Hipster]

Well, that's no fun!

LOL, no it isn't. I would love to bump the power a little but I just need it back running right now. Getting ready to move and I don't need to get into something that needs fiddled with and I have no experience messing with chips.

 

[andy396]

Chips are easy. Just tell someone what you’ve got and you just pull the ECU out from under the dash. Pull the old one out and the new one in. There’s an appreciable difference in usable torque between vortec and TBI. Go for it! [emoji16]