The Vortec heads were originally used in late 1980s trucks and feature a 64cc chamber and 1.94/1.50 inch valves. Summit Racing offers an iron Vortec head (part number and link at the bottom of this post) that is a brand new Vortec casting. These have become so popular that now several companies offer a new casting for an affordable price. These heads flow much better than almost any production Chevy head. If your budget is tight, I’d suggest a set of affordable iron Vortec heads. Assuming your 350 small block Chevy is using flat top pistons with valve reliefs, a cylinder head with a smaller 64cc chamber will immediately help by adding compression. The best way to improve power on your small block Chevy would be to not attempt to save those existing heads. Upgraded Cylinder Heads for a Small Block Chevy The main reason the entire LS family of engines make outstanding power is because the factory LS heads offer excellent airflow. My good friend the late John Lingenfelter once told me that you can make great power with good heads and a less-than-ideal cam, but you have no chance to make good power with a great cam and junk heads. There are a number of far better choices for heads in both iron and aluminum. These are not considered a good flowing cylinder head that would make decent power. The 10147898 heads were used in late 1980s and early 1990s Chevy light duty trucks. They have a large 76 to 78cc combustion chamber and small valves. Let’s also take a look at your cylinder heads. The casting number on my cylinder heads reads 10147898 : It appears these are 1995 through 1998 350ci crate engines, 78cc chambers, with 1.84/1.50-inch valves.Īre these heads okay to use? I’m also not having any luck making a decision to choose the proper cam. I am building a mild street engine and researching my existing heads for air flow.

Good cam for stock 350 vortec heads