vortec heads

[1986brownjl]

ok I have vortec heads and the max lift is .480'' what do I need to cut down the valve spring seat or the valve guides? what all do I have to do to it if gunna run a slightly bigger cam lift. thanks

[Captainfab]

If you are wanting to cut the spring seats and guides, that is typically done in a machine shop. If you have the equipment to do the work, then you just need the cutters. They are available from Comp Cams.

There are a couple other ways to gain clearance for more valve lift. One is to use the beehive springs and correct retainers. You can use the GM springs or the Comp Cams springs. Then there is a guy that sells springs and retainers on the internet.

Here is a link to Alex's Parts:

http://www.alexsparts.com/valve-spri...rf-hyd-roller/

[cableguy0]

There really isn't a point in spending a bunch of money to cut the seats for a bigger cam. Vortec heads really don't flow well past .480 lift. Basically what im saying is that even with a bigger a cam the head wont flow more air. If your looking to go bigger than say an xe268 cam you really need to look into a better head if you want to make good power. You have to consider a few things also. If you have the seats cut you need different springs. Also to go with a cam with more than .480 lift you HAVE to get the heads machined to accept screw in studs and guide plates. The point is you will spend a decent chunk of change getting a mediocre set of heads to accept a cam that's too big. Its usually cheaper to just go with something like a dart iron eagle or similar.

[1986brownjl]

well cam lift is .462/.480 would I be good without cutting it.

[donut]

Only way to know is to measure. IIRC, the 062's I had showed retainer to oil seal contact @ about .460 +/-, like usual, yours may be different.

[burnin oil]

Theoretically you are fine but you need to check it. I have seen guys that ran into problems in the .450 range. You have to remember that these are a factory mass produced head and therefor clearences can be all over the place but be well within spec for the intended use. I got away with a .460 lift cam with no problems.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

There really isn't a point in spending a bunch of money to cut the seats for a bigger cam. Vortec heads really don't flow well past .480 lift. Basically what im saying is that even with a bigger a cam the head wont flow more air. If your looking to go bigger than say an xe268 cam you really need to look into a better head if you want to make good power. You have to consider a few things also. If you have the seats cut you need different springs. Also to go with a cam with more than .480 lift you HAVE to get the heads machined to accept screw in studs and guide plates. The point is you will spend a decent chunk of change getting a mediocre set of heads to accept a cam that's too big. Its usually cheaper to just go with something like a dart iron eagle or similar.

This ^^^ as always... is great advice on the Vortec heads. They are great for a mildly built street rod... but if you really want performance at higher RPM, and a larger cam... a different aftermarket head is the way to go.

Gary

[storm9c1]

Also keep in mind that some of the GMPP Vortec heads can handle more lift. Depends on what heads you have.

[Captainfab]

Sounds like you have a Comp X4262 cam. I have run that cam with Vortec heads without the need to machine the guides. However as suggested, we did have the clearance checked when we had the 981 springs installed. We also had the heads machined for screw in studs and guide plates.

Originally Posted by 1986brownjl

well cam lift is .462/.480 would I be good without cutting it.