Vortec vs fuelie heads!

[pdq67]

I haven't kept up so have to ask what the difference between the two are.

And I have a pair of stock, big valve, -461 heads. I just installed cheap, "nut-less", screw-in studs and pinned them.

Just trying to learn something and to keep up is all.

Thanks,

pdq67

[1980RS]

There is no comparison with those 2 heads. Vortec's will crush those old 461 head hands down. Step up to the 2000's and feel the power of the Vortec.

[pastry_chef]

Keeping up to 20 year old information.
https://nastyz28.com/threads/vortec-cyl ... ide.56505/

For my first SBC street build in the 90's I asked about "Fuelies", all my local machine/race shops said "don't bother". Dart's were a common suggestion back then.
I never forget anything that anyone told me about engines, IMO forgetting would be very disrespectful to the expert who shared their knowledge with me. I have a few books worth of hard copied printouts, to add to my library of a few hundred published books.
I scratch my head when I see others ask the same questions again and again, and again.

[vortecpro]

There is no comparison with those 2 heads. Vortec's will crush those old 461 head hands down. Step up to the 2000's and feel the power of the Vortec.

I think that would depend on the type of work the 461 heads had done.

[1980RS]

There is no comparison with those 2 heads. Vortec's will crush those old 461 head hands down. Step up to the 2000's and feel the power of the Vortec.

I think that would depend on the type of work the 461 heads had done.

I guess I should clarify that one, stock for stock head except for valve springs the Vortec heads is hands down the best factory head out there. There is only one that is equal or better and that was the 461X head that when reworked was a really good head.

[mag2555]

But still the Vortec head starts off a large port volume then the 461X head, so if you put the air aside the Vortec head is the way to go for motors over 383 cid right off the bat!

[1980RS]

But still the Vortec head starts off a large port volume then the 461X head, so if you put the air aside the Vortec head is the way to go for motors over 383 cid right off the bat!

If I remember correctly the 461X was 171cc runner also.

[levisnteeshirt]

Exhaust port sux on a production vortec ,, cast in egr ,, 461 not so much

[pdq67]

My stock big valve -461's intake ports cc at 160.+ and my chambers right at 66.+.

They have what I call, a double quench chamber.

I figure they are off a 350hp/327, 365hp/327, or a 375/hp 327 FI engine.

pdq67

[maxracesoftware]

But still the Vortec head starts off a large port volume then the 461X head, so if you put the air aside the Vortec head is the way to go for motors over 383 cid right off the bat!

If I remember correctly the 461X was 171cc runner also.

the best 461X with the Fin + unmachined exhaust guide bosses
has 173 CC on 2 Intake Ports
and
175 CC on the other 2 Ports
reason : because 2 Intake Ports have a wider Pushrod Pinch area ( 175cc) than the other 2 Ports ( 173cc)

the regular 461X's are around 169 to 171 CC

[rebelyell]

seems 461X are made of Unobtainium;
Vortecs & their clones are everywhere, rather cheap and even GM engineers who designed the Vortecs said they're best-flowing production sbc head ever.

If you ever would build a project, suggest sell the 461's to a fanatic/restorer & use Vortecs instead. EngineQuest's hybrid vortecs are a step up from OE.

[PackardV8]

and even GM engineers who designed the Vortecs said they're best-flowing production sbc head ever.

Agree, don't bother with the old junk. Start with the Vortec.

Vortecs & their clones are everywhere, rather cheap

Disagree; qualify the above statement:

No, usable used Vortecs are almost unobtainium. Nine out of ten are cracked.

Yes, new Chicom clones are available everywhere.

Maybe, share where you're finding the best quality and best deals on new Vortecs.

[rebelyell]

Jack, compared to 461X, Vortecs are everywhere. True they haven't been on production trucks for nearly 20 years and the failed cash-for-clunkers program consumed many of them. Also true high rate of cracked junk. I have several friends in both garage/repair shop and in junkyard businesses. Word of mouth not craigslist. When I buy one, they'll bring me another when it's junk. No clue where deals on new ones are except via dealer discount. Not certain, but hope they're still in production for Chevy Performance crates & Marine use (understand replacement Vortec L31 crates are discontinued). New Vortecs Not financially sound for me when good used are cheap. Again, I like the EngineQuest Vortec; Dart as well. Yes the supply of any desirable older part is thinning out.

[1980RS]

Exhaust port sux on a production vortec ,, cast in egr ,, 461 not so much

???, my 062's with nothing more than a valve job, slim the guide and a clean up pushed 190 from .475 all the way out to .700 with a 1.5 valve.

[rebelyell]

Correction! new L31 crates WERE discontinued but now they're available again. Over $3K now.

Brand New Crate GM iron-head Vortec L31 (vin code R) sbc w/ roller cam-lifters are available once more from GM.
new MUCH higher price and new PN's: HD 4-bolt main = 12691672 while 2-bolt main = 12691673