vortec swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BIGBLU 72 · 11-16-2010, 04:39 PM

im getting a set of vortec heads and intake for my 400. im going to have them hot tanked and dilled for the steam holes but i need to know if there are special head bolts for Vortec heads. Also will i use normal 400 sbc head gaskets and a 96-00 350 intake gasket set out of a truck??

can this swap be done without pulling the motor in my truck because the motor really doesnt need to come out i just want to get the old crappy worn out heads off it.

67k/20 · 11-16-2010, 10:41 PM

u can use standered head bolts and u will have to use head gaskets for the 400 due to the steam holes and u will need to use the 96 on intake gaskets....no u do not need to pull ur motor to do it. i did the same swap on my 86 k/20 and im using the same heads on my 67 k/20... hope this helps ya

**Captainfab** · 11-17-2010, 01:20 AM

I agree with 67k/20.....I would like to add, get the best intake gaskets that you can afford, and make sure you follow the proper torque sequence and specs on the intake bolts. A set of Vortec heads and a bit of a cam upgrade (XE2624X) will really wake up an otherwise stock SB 400.

1986c10 · 11-25-2010, 02:13 AM

I did a vortec swap a little while back, and a a comp xe268 and it definately woke my motor right up. I originally thought it would save me some hassle leaving the motor in as my truck sits pretty low but looking back on it, i wouldve much rather pulled the motor as leaning over the fender taking the head bolts out, torquing the new ones etc. gets old fast. just my opinion. good luck on the swap, look into a cam while its all apart.

1986c10 · 11-25-2010, 02:16 AM

also, if you pull the motor you can paint it up real nice and say its a brand new rebuild

11-16-2010, 04:39 PM	#1
BIGBLU 72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 700	vortec swap question im getting a set of vortec heads and intake for my 400. im going to have them hot tanked and dilled for the steam holes but i need to know if there are special head bolts for Vortec heads. Also will i use normal 400 sbc head gaskets and a 96-00 350 intake gasket set out of a truck?? can this swap be done without pulling the motor in my truck because the motor really doesnt need to come out i just want to get the old crappy worn out heads off it. __________________ 68 C10 LWB 2/4 drop 406/th400/3.73posi 04 Silverado SS LQ9 6.0/4L65e/4.11posi AWD

11-16-2010, 10:41 PM	#2
67k/20 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: boyertow,pa Posts: 7	Re: vortec swap question u can use standered head bolts and u will have to use head gaskets for the 400 due to the steam holes and u will need to use the 96 on intake gaskets....no u do not need to pull ur motor to do it. i did the same swap on my 86 k/20 and im using the same heads on my 67 k/20... hope this helps ya

11-17-2010, 01:20 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: vortec swap question I agree with 67k/20.....I would like to add, get the best intake gaskets that you can afford, and make sure you follow the proper torque sequence and specs on the intake bolts. A set of Vortec heads and a bit of a cam upgrade (XE2624X) will really wake up an otherwise stock SB 400. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE Last edited by Captainfab; 11-17-2010 at 01:21 AM.

11-25-2010, 02:13 AM	#4
1986c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Vicksburg, Mi Posts: 323	Re: vortec swap question I did a vortec swap a little while back, and a a comp xe268 and it definately woke my motor right up. I originally thought it would save me some hassle leaving the motor in as my truck sits pretty low but looking back on it, i wouldve much rather pulled the motor as leaning over the fender taking the head bolts out, torquing the new ones etc. gets old fast. just my opinion. good luck on the swap, look into a cam while its all apart. __________________ 1979 C10 - swb, mild 327, restoration project 1979 Mustang - Turbo 5.3 / 4l80e 1976 K20 - Mild 396, 6" lift, 35's - sold 1986 C10 - lwb vortec 355- sold 1982 C10 - swb project- sold

11-25-2010, 02:16 AM	#5
1986c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Vicksburg, Mi Posts: 323	Re: vortec swap question also, if you pull the motor you can paint it up real nice and say its a brand new rebuild __________________ 1979 C10 - swb, mild 327, restoration project 1979 Mustang - Turbo 5.3 / 4l80e 1976 K20 - Mild 396, 6" lift, 35's - sold 1986 C10 - lwb vortec 355- sold 1982 C10 - swb project- sold



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