Vortec heads

[Overthedge21]

I have an 87 k10, so it's got the TBI. However, the block in it is older, meant for a carburator. The TBI top end bolted right up to it apparently though, since it runs with no issues. However, what needs to be done for a vortec head swap, or would it even be possible with this block? And how does the injection system and all that go together since the vortec heads use direct injection and roller cams instead of pushrods (they do, right? Or am I stupid?)

 

[crazy4offroad]

The heads will bolt on fine but you'll have to get a new intake. If you plan on running your original tbi I think they make intakes to adapt it, ir get a regular carbed intake and an adapter plate to install your tbi.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Wait.
Roller cams don't use pushrods?

 

[Overthedge21]

I had meant overhead valve cams, as opposed to the stock 80s pushrod system. My bad

 

[Rusty Nail]

I think perhaps you suffer bigger eyes than stomach! The good news is that you are safe here.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Yeah Vortecs aren't OHC. They have roller lifters and the normal pushrod/rocker arm style valvetrain.

 

[bucket]

Also no direct injection.

Bare minimum- Heads, vortec intake for TBI (or a 4bbl intake with adapter plate) and custom PROM tuning.

Do the current installed heads have centerbolt valve covers?

 

[Daveo91Burb]

I've been gathering parts for a vortec head swap on my '91 TBI for some time now. I've got rebuilt heads, GM spread bore (q-jet) intake for Vortec heads, adapter plate to bolt on the TBI unit, and complete roller valve train including cam from a vortec block. I also just recently bought some 454 injectors (I'm also stroking the 350 to 383) on e-bay and roller tip, Comp cams rocker arms.

Intake notes: There are a few options here. You can go Edelbrock or GM, spread bore or square bore, EGR or no EGR. Just buy the correct adapter that matches. There also is a GM intake that the TBI bolts to directly, but it's very expensive (I usually see it for $400+) and hard to find. To me it seems like the 4-barrel intake with adapter is a good way to go.

Roller valve train notes: most or all of the TBI blocks were not roller cam, but many, especially later ones, have all the provisions to allow easy OEM retrofit. Going with vortec heads does not mean you have to convert to roller cam. I have vortecs on my 76 corvette and am running a flat tappet cam. This may be an important point since you say the block is older - it probably will not have provisions to do an OEM style roller cam. You'd have to go with a retrofit style - expensive. I am converting to roller cam on the suburban mainly due to maintenance concerns. Modern low-zinc motor oils are very hard on flat tappet cams; I have to run $10 a quart hot rod oil on the vette and don't want to have to worry about that with the burb. That and breaking in a flat tappet cam is a nerve-wracking experience!