Comp Cam Kit Advice

[Vette79]

Vortec heads will need a vortec-style intake manifold:
Scoggin-Dickey Performance offers head/intake/gasket kits for a decent price.

http://www.sdparts.com/product/SD8060AKIT/UpgradedVortecHeadKitEdelbrockPerformerIntake.aspx


This will raise the compression from a typical L-48 from 8.2:1 to 9.3:1, which will still run on a good-grade of pump-gas (Sunoco-94/Amoco-93 ), and work better with a larger cam in the .480"-lift, 230*-duration range, which would be the max for the OEM bottom-end, in my guesstimation.

Glen, is there a kit just like this one that has an Edlebrock Performer Intake Manifold that has the availability for the heat tube for old style choke?

 

[Glensgages]

Glen, is there a kit just like this one that has an Edlebrock Performer Intake Manifold that has the availability for the heat tube for old style choke?

Curtis turned me onto the potential of the vortec head earlier this year, when I asked about building a bracket-race motor from my L-83 short-block:
while I haven't began this project yet, I have forwarded most of what Curtis voluteered, uncluding the listings of S-D-P intake/head kits, to an old friend who used it for his '80 L-48 rebuild, with great results, but I know that my buddy used the vortec RPM Air Gap kit with a Holley Street Avenger carb.....

..... for my application, a choke isn't important,a nd my buddy now lives 1000 miles away from me, so I haven't had first-hand, intimate knowledge of his set-up, so I can't answer about your desire to retain the choke.

 

[TimAT]

Experience has taught me that when you change to a performance cam, you really need to change the valve springs to the ones for THAT cam. Keep the goodies all matched up, so to speak. I DO agree that a mild cam really doesn't need a big spring, but all of the variables in there will make a difference. And it will also eliminate the chance of stacking a spring.

 

[fine69]

Glen, is there a kit just like this one that has an Edlebrock Performer Intake Manifold that has the availability for the heat tube for old style choke?

Hey Jeff,

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but it's a kit that includes:
* Aluminum cylinder heads
* Cylinder head bolt kit
* Aluminum intake manifold
* Intake manifold bolt set
* Intake manifold gaskets
* Performer-Link timing set
* Hardened pushrods
* Camshaft
* Lifters(on non-roller cam applications)

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM-CEDL404&autoview=sku

If this isn't the right one, perhaps there are others....

Let me know if (or when) you need that engine hoist and stands!

Ralph

P.S. Here's another (Edelbrock Power Package Top End Kit)...

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=EDL-2099&autoview=sku

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Sorry,you won't be able to use your exhaust heated choke with Vortec heads.Maybe there is a elec. choke conversion for your Q-jet.(WOW,this is getting more complicated by the minute.You'll be happy with the results though.)

 

[Vette79]

Sorry,you won't be able to use your exhaust heated choke with Vortec heads.Maybe there is a elec. choke conversion for your Q-jet.(WOW,this is getting more complicated by the minute.You'll be happy with the results though.)

Yes, way more complicated by the minute and way more expensive. Maybe I will just do the timing chain, cam, intake manifold, and valve seals for now. The vette runs fine. The sooner I get done this project the sooner I can move onto the interior. Don't know yet...

 

[Crimson Thunder]

I'd maybe hold off on the intake until later then.(more $ for your interior)Your new cam is going to be happier with more compression than your stock L48 has and the best way to add it is with a smaller combustion chamber.If you decide to go with the Vortecs at a later date you would have to buy another intake.

 

[Vette79]

I'd maybe hold off on the intake until later then.(more $ for your interior)Your new cam is going to be happier with more compression than your stock L48 has and the best way to add it is with a smaller combustion chamber.If you decide to go with the Vortecs at a later date you would have to buy another intake.

OK. Is there really any difference between an Edlebrock Performer Intake and the Stock L48 Intake as far as performance. Quite a few people have said that there is no difference. I will complete the cam install this winter. Tepot did the cam install a few months back and was very pleased even with running the stock heads.

 

[GerryLP]

Knowing the approximate CR with the stock heads would help in making a determination. It wouldn't make sense to cam-up your engine if you didn't have the components to utilize the additional flow, volume, etc.. that's why I asked in my earlier reply. So you see, if it turns out that you need other items (e.g., cylinder heads), this project can easily grow. My two cents.

I agree with fine69...here is the "risk" you end-up taking when going by what is advertised for each component you are considering.. a ton of money later, and one wonders why the engine is not producing "X" amount of horsepower.

For example, CR is a start, but other clearances such as "quench" are important as well.

 

[fine69]

Hiya Jeff,

If your engine is running, why mess with it now? After all, it's clean, and it sounds good with those chambered duals... so what's the point in doing this piece meal? I would wait and do the whole damn thing at one time... i.e., yank the old engine out, and either rebuild it, or replace it with a crate motor. Do it right, and when you're prepared.

From the photos, it looks like you have a gorgeous old girl. So if it runs great and the exterior looks good, but the interior looks okaaaay... then your answer is right there.

Hey, with a bright, spankin' new interior, it might be that edge you've needed at those car shows you mentioned earlier. :naughty:

Again, just my two cents (what am I up to, four cents now?)...


Ralph

.

 

[Curtis]

Ralph may be right about working on the interior first..BUT... if you decide to go the vortec route, do it like the Danger Mouse engine in the link shown earlier...It is a great combination that works.. The dyno chart shows that and I did it and I can verify it is one giant improvement over the stock engine with torque that slams you in the seat and keeps you there, great top end power and easy driveability. I would imagine there are thousands of engines with that combination. For now if you are worried about the rice burners wanting to race, just let em smoke their tiny tires and make all kinds of noise, then pull up beside them at the next light and tell em you didn't know a snowmobile engine could sound so good with a bean can on the end of the exhaust. . ha ha ha.. Like my Dad said once "If it weren't for life we would have no decisions to make."

 

[Vette79]

Ralph, you are up to four cents. You and Curtis are also right. I will do just what is needed under the hood and have four cents left over to do a few things inside. Curtis, I can't stand those rice burners. Thanks to everyone who responded to this post. I have learned and am now prepared for this future endeavor. Ralph, when are you going to be in Crofton next?