Let's Talk 5.7 Vortec Head Upgrades...

I haven't been on in a while...
But, I have found that I have a burnt valve on #4...
A while back I replaced everything on the topside from the manifold gaskets up..New Billet Distributor,
New updated Spider, Fuel Regulator, you get the idea.

I kept getting a miss on #4...I thought it had to do with the manifold gaskets leaking...Well, after I changed everything the miss was gone...for a day.
I started running some Marvel Mystery Oil through it and it got worse...Evidently the Marvel cleaned the carbon off the valves and the miss really came on strong...I done the dollar bill test and it nearly sucked the bill out of my hands. Bummer!

Well, I figured it would be a good chance to upgrade the valve train on my Limited. So I went to the Pick a Part (LKQ) and got a great deal on a pair of 062 heads. I cleaned them up real good and didn't find any cracks so I hope I dodged a bullet with that.

I'm porting the exhaust on the heads at the moment and they're coming out really nice. Got one head done and started the other tonight.

I went through the threads that had anything to do with Vortec heads and only found one person that had any knowledge of the Vortec head...I won't call any names but I'm sure he knows who he is and has given me good advice before.

Here is my rendition of upgrading a Vortec head on a tight budget...

I want to use the Z28 springs along with a set of 1.52 rollers (if I can find a good deal) if not, I've got a complete set of OEM rockers,pushrods and roller lifters from a wreck with 9000 miles on it.

I've been studying the Vortec head for a good while now and I seen some advice given that was totally wrong for the head.

First...You don't have to port match the Vortec unless you plan on rpm's over 6500 then you might do some port matching.
If any of you are like me your truck very rarely see's 5000 rpm's but every now and then I will pull a car dolly/car trailer/utility trailer and I would like a little more usable power and torque for job at hand.

I would like some input...good input on what you all think would be the best way to upgrade these heads for daily driving and occasional towing...My Hoe won't be seeing the drag strip anytime soon so please state your version of a budget build for a Vortec head.

LOL!!! I believe I have scared everyone to death.

No one has done a rebuild of the Vortec Head?
No one has any idea or direction of what they would do to beef up the Vortec Head?

I can't believe there is no input from anyone on this subject...

Here is something I have found on using other springs on these heads...
Melling #466204 valve springs...Check them out at Summit. They have a great price on these, 3.97 for a 4 pack. They must be selling good because they are on back order untill 11/4.

I finished the port and polish on the exhaust ports on the 062 heads...they came out really nice.

bigblackhoe said:

I can't believe there is no input from anyone on this subject...

Here is something I have found on using other springs on these heads...
Melling #466204 valve springs...Check them out at Summit. They have a great price on these, 3.97 for a 4 pack. They must be selling good because they are on back order untill 11/4.

I finished the port and polish on the exhaust ports on the 062 heads...they came out really nice.

Click to expand...

Performancetrucks.net is going to have more guys comfortable with talking about head modifications.

I am actually porting and polishing heads for a 5.7 vortec. I went with comps beehive springs with roller rockers. Comp tri power cam with matching lifters. I still have yet to finish porting heads and still have to get pushrod guides due to the fact the vortec heads do not have pushrod guides and I didn't buy self aligning rockers. It's hard to find anybody who even does anything to these heads. But if you have any tips or tricks let me know. I also nabbed up some 5.0 vortec heads redone with 5k on them I didn't find much about them either I was planning on putting them on my 5.7 for time being till my other ones are done.

Don't know if this thread is dead or not but I'll post anyway.
Been thinking along the same line lately. I read an article somewhere (Hot Rod?) about cheap upgrades for Vortec heads. I have gathered the LS6 valve springs and requisite Comp retainers (787-16). Those items will let you go a little higher on lift. Like I said, I haven't tried it yet but I have the parts gathered up and will try them at some point.