Relating to the world of sizzling rodding and engine constructing, the Chevrolet small block is an iconic and enduring determine. For many years, these engines have powered numerous traditional automobiles, muscle automobiles, and race automobiles, they usually proceed to be a well-liked selection for lovers immediately. One of the vital essential parts of any engine is the cylinder head, and the Chevrolet small block has quite a few totally different head choices obtainable. Among the many hottest and well-respected are the 350 Chevy heads.
There are lots of explanation why 350 Chevy heads are so well-liked. First, they’re comparatively straightforward to search out and reasonably priced. Second, they’re recognized for his or her good efficiency, each by way of energy and gasoline economic system. Third, they’re comparatively straightforward to switch, making them a sensible choice for lovers who wish to construct a customized engine. Nonetheless, there are additionally some potential drawbacks to utilizing 350 Chevy heads. One is that they are often heavier than another head choices, which may have an effect on the dealing with of a automobile. One other is that they are often tougher to seal, which may result in leaks.
Total, 350 Chevy heads are a sensible choice for a wide range of purposes. They provide good efficiency, are comparatively straightforward to search out and reasonably priced, and are straightforward to switch. Nonetheless, they are often heavier than another head choices and might be tougher to seal. In the end, the easiest way to decide on the best cylinder head to your engine is to think about your particular wants and targets.
The Greatest 350 Chevy Heads for Efficiency
Vortec 350 Heads
The Vortec 350 heads, launched in 1996, symbolize a big improve over earlier small-block Chevy heads. That includes a revised combustion chamber design, improved port circulate, and the next compression ratio, they ship spectacular energy features with out sacrificing a lot low-end torque. Vortex heads are generally discovered on Vortec 5.7L engines from 1996 to 2002 and are a well-liked selection for these trying to improve the efficiency of their 350 Chevy.
These heads characteristic:
- Revised combustion chamber design for improved air-fuel mixing
- Improved port circulate for elevated airflow
- Greater compression ratio for elevated energy
- Out there in each “Vortec” and “L31” variations
- Suitable with each Vortec and LS-based engine blocks
| Vortec Head Specs | Worth |
|---|---|
| Combustion Chamber Quantity | 64cc |
| Consumption Port Quantity | 170cc |
| Exhaust Port Quantity | 76cc |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
The Worst 350 Chevy Heads to Keep away from
2. Vortec Heads (1996-2002)
Vortec heads had been provided on Vortec 350 engines from 1996 to 2002. These heads characteristic small consumption runners and a bathtub-shaped combustion chamber, each of which prohibit airflow and scale back efficiency. Vortec heads even have a low compression ratio (9.4:1), which additional limits energy output.
The most important drawback with Vortec heads is the shortage of aftermarket help. There are only a few efficiency upgrades obtainable for these heads, which makes it troublesome to enhance their efficiency.
Disadvantages of Vortec Heads:
| Drawback |
|---|
| Small consumption runners |
| Bathtub-shaped combustion chamber |
| Low compression ratio |
| Lack of aftermarket help |
Attributable to these disadvantages, Vortec heads are greatest prevented when constructing a efficiency 350 Chevy engine.
Figuring out the Proper 350 Chevy Head for Your Wants
Choosing the proper 350 Chevy head to your engine can considerably affect efficiency. Take into account the next components:
Combustion Chamber Design
The combustion chamber form impacts the air-fuel combination and combustion effectivity. Frequent designs embrace:
- Open Chambers: Very best for low-compression engines and supply higher airflow however require greater compression ratios.
- Closed Chambers: Scale back detonation and supply greater compression ratios however might prohibit airflow.
- Rectangular Ports: Enhance airflow at excessive RPMs however might require consumption manifold modifications.
- Oval Ports: Present an optimum stability of airflow and velocity, appropriate for a variety of purposes.
Valve Prepare Configuration
The valve prepare setup determines the quantity and association of valves, in addition to the camshaft’s operation. Choices embrace:
- Small Block (Conventional): 2 valves per cylinder with a pushrod-actuated rocker arm system.
- Vortec Heads: Improved airflow and swirl for higher combustion, that includes 3 valves per cylinder.
- LS Sequence: Trendy design with 4 valves per cylinder and a high-flow consumption system, usually put in on GM LS engines.
Consumption and Exhaust Ports
The dimensions and form of the consumption and exhaust ports have an effect on airflow and energy output:
| Port Kind | Circulate Traits |
|---|---|
| Massive Ports | Elevated airflow capability for high-performance purposes |
| Small Ports | Improved low-end torque and gasoline economic system |
| Cathedral Ports | Optimized for low-RPM torque and supply higher scavenging |
| Bowtie Ports | Designed for high-RPM efficiency and lowered consumption turbulence |
Evaluating Completely different 350 Chevy Head Configurations
Relating to selecting the best cylinder heads to your 350 Chevy engine, there are a variety of things to think about. These embrace the engine’s supposed use, the specified energy output, and the funds. That will help you make an knowledgeable determination, this is a comparability of among the hottest 350 Chevy head configurations obtainable.
Aluminum vs. Iron Heads
Aluminum heads are lighter than iron heads, which may enhance engine efficiency and gasoline economic system. Nonetheless, aluminum heads are additionally costlier than iron heads. Iron heads are extra sturdy than aluminum heads, however they’re additionally heavier and may scale back engine efficiency.
Vortec Heads
Vortec heads are a well-liked selection for efficiency purposes. They characteristic a novel consumption port design that helps to enhance airflow and enhance energy. Vortec heads can be found in each aluminum and iron variations.
L98 Heads
L98 heads are a sensible choice for avenue efficiency purposes. They characteristic a bigger consumption runner quantity than Vortec heads, which helps to enhance low-end torque. L98 heads are usually fabricated from iron.
AFR Heads
AFR heads are a high-performance aftermarket head that’s designed for racing purposes. They characteristic quite a few superior design options that assist to extend airflow and energy. AFR heads are usually fabricated from aluminum.
| Head Kind | Materials | Consumption Runner Quantity (cc) | Exhaust Runner Quantity (cc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortec | Aluminum | 170 | 64 |
| Vortec | Iron | 170 | 64 |
| L98 | Iron | 180 | 64 |
| AFR | Aluminum | 210 | 72 |
The Advantages of Upgrading to an Aftermarket 350 Chevy Head
Relating to upgrading the efficiency of your 350 Chevy engine, top-of-the-line methods to take action is by putting in an aftermarket cylinder head. Aftermarket heads are designed to enhance airflow, which may result in elevated horsepower and torque. They will additionally enhance gasoline economic system and scale back emissions.
Improved Airflow
Probably the most important advantage of upgrading to an aftermarket 350 Chevy head is improved airflow. Aftermarket heads are usually designed with bigger valves and ports than inventory heads, which permits for extra air to enter and exit the combustion chamber. This elevated airflow can result in a big enhance in horsepower and torque.
Elevated Horsepower and Torque
Because of the improved airflow, aftermarket 350 Chevy heads can present a big enhance in horsepower and torque. Relying on the particular head design and the opposite modifications made to the engine, it’s attainable to see features of as much as 50 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque.
Improved Gasoline Economic system
Whereas it might appear counterintuitive, putting in an aftermarket 350 Chevy head can truly enhance gasoline economic system. It is because the elevated airflow permits the engine to burn gasoline extra effectively. This could result in a discount in gasoline consumption of as much as 5%.
Lowered Emissions
One other advantage of upgrading to an aftermarket 350 Chevy head is lowered emissions. The improved airflow and combustion effectivity can result in a discount in dangerous emissions, corresponding to hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Forms of Aftermarket 350 Chevy Heads
There are lots of several types of aftermarket 350 Chevy heads obtainable available on the market. Every kind of head has its personal distinctive benefits and downsides. A number of the hottest sorts of heads embrace:
| Head Kind | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Heads | Light-weight, improved airflow, elevated horsepower | Dearer than iron heads |
| Iron Heads | Cheaper than aluminum heads, sturdy | Heavier than aluminum heads, lowered airflow |
| Vortec Heads | Improved airflow, elevated horsepower, lowered emissions | Dearer than conventional heads |
Frequent Points with 350 Chevy Heads
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds:
The exhaust manifolds on 350 Chevy heads are susceptible to cracking, particularly across the No. 6 cylinder. That is because of the excessive warmth and stress positioned on the exhaust manifold flanges. Signs of a cracked exhaust manifold embrace a loud exhaust leak, lack of energy, and decreased gasoline economic system.
Warped Cylinder Heads:
The cylinder heads on 350 Chevy engines can warp over time, particularly if they’re subjected to excessive warmth or cooling. This could result in a lack of compression, coolant leaks, and efficiency issues. Signs of warped cylinder heads embrace overheating, decreased energy, and a tough idle.
Valve Seat Recession:
The valve seats in 350 Chevy heads can recess over time, particularly if the engine is run with unleaded gasoline with out the usage of an additive. This could result in a lack of compression, decreased energy, and a tough idle. Signs of valve seat recession embrace a loud valvetrain, elevated oil consumption, and decreased gasoline economic system.
Consumption Manifold Gasket Leaks:
The consumption manifold gasket on a 350 Chevy head can leak over time, particularly if the engine is run at excessive temperatures or has a excessive mileage. This could result in a lack of energy, decreased gasoline economic system, and a tough idle. Signs of an consumption manifold gasket leak embrace a vacuum leak, coolant leaks, and a rich-running engine.
Head Bolt Gap Stripping:
The top bolt holes on 350 Chevy heads can strip over time, particularly if the top bolts are over-tightened or the engine is subjected to excessive stress. This could result in a lack of compression, coolant leaks, and efficiency issues. Signs of stripped head bolt holes embrace a loud engine, decreased energy, and a tough idle.
Cracked Exhaust Manifolds Across the No. 6 Cylinder
The No. 6 cylinder on a 350 Chevy engine is thought for being notably susceptible to exhaust manifold cracking. This is because of the truth that the No. 6 cylinder is situated on the rear of the engine, the place it’s uncovered to probably the most warmth from the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold on a 350 Chevy engine can be fabricated from forged iron, which is a brittle materials that’s susceptible to cracking beneath stress.
The signs of a cracked exhaust manifold across the No. 6 cylinder embrace a loud exhaust leak, lack of energy, and decreased gasoline economic system. In case you suspect that your exhaust manifold is cracked, you possibly can have it inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic will be capable of decide if the exhaust manifold is cracked and can suggest the perfect plan of action.
| Difficulty | Signs |
|---|---|
| Cracked exhaust manifolds | Loud exhaust leak, lack of energy, decreased gasoline economic system |
| Warped cylinder heads | Overheating, decreased energy, tough idle |
| Valve seat recession | Noisy valvetrain, elevated oil consumption, decreased gasoline economic system |
| Consumption manifold gasket leaks | Vacuum leak, coolant leaks, rich-running engine |
| Head bolt gap stripping | Noisy engine, decreased energy, tough idle |
The Historical past and Evolution of 350 Chevy Heads
7. Efficiency Heads: The Final Improve
For these searching for the final word efficiency enhance for his or her 350 Chevy engine, aftermarket efficiency heads are the way in which to go. These heads are designed with bigger valves, optimized port shapes, and improved combustion chamber designs to extend airflow and maximize energy output. Efficiency heads are available in numerous configurations, every tailor-made to particular efficiency targets and engine modifications. Some well-liked choices embrace:
| Head Kind | Valve Measurement | Port Form | Combustion Chamber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Professional Topline | 2.02″/1.60″ | Straight | 64cc |
| Trick Circulate Twisted Wedge | 2.05″/1.60″ | Twisted Oval | 62cc |
| Edelbrock Performer RPM | 2.02″/1.60″ | D-Port | 64cc |
| Dart Professional 1 | 2.08″/1.60″ | Oval | 58cc |
Efficiency heads supply important energy features, however they arrive at the next value and require extra modifications to the engine, corresponding to camshaft and consumption manifold upgrades, to completely unleash their potential. Correct tuning can be essential to make sure optimum efficiency and reliability.
Knowledgeable Suggestions for Choosing the Greatest 350 Chevy Head
8. Contemplating Chamber Quantity
Chamber quantity performs an important position in figuring out the engine’s compression ratio. A better compression ratio will increase energy and effectivity however can result in detonation points if not correctly managed.
Combustion Chamber Design
Chamber design tremendously impacts combustion effectivity. Completely different heads characteristic various swirl or tumble patterns that promote optimum gasoline mixing and flame propagation. Matching the chamber design to the supposed engine setup and gasoline kind optimizes combustion and efficiency.
Valve Measurement and Placement
Bigger and optimized valve sizes permit for larger airflow and enhance engine respiration. The position of the valves inside the chamber can affect airflow dynamics and combustion effectivity. Correct valve positioning ensures optimum airflow and minimizes shrouding, leading to improved energy output.
Materials and Development High quality
Head materials and building high quality instantly affect sturdiness and efficiency. Forged iron heads supply wonderful power and sturdiness, whereas aluminum heads present weight financial savings and higher warmth dissipation. The standard of casting, machining, and meeting methods ensures correct fitment, sealing, and general efficiency.
Avoiding Frequent Pitfalls When Selecting a 350 Chevy Head
9. Take into account the Consumption and Exhaust Port Form
The consumption and exhaust port form considerably impacts engine efficiency. Completely different port designs can have an effect on circulate traits, combination distribution, and air velocity. Match the port form of the top to your particular engine construct and targets.
Elements to Take into account:
| Port Form Traits | Results |
|---|---|
| Straight ports | Excessive circulate potential, improved low-end torque |
| Twisted ports | Improved air distribution, elevated peak energy |
| Raised ports | Elevated valve elevate potential, improved high-RPM efficiency |
| Rectangular ports | Good for big displacement engines, broad energy band |
| Oval ports | Improved airflow, can help greater RPM |
- Circulate capability: The port space determines the utmost quantity of air that may circulate by the top. A bigger port permits for extra airflow and better energy potential.
- Port velocity: The port’s form and size affect the air’s velocity. Greater velocity helps stop gasoline puddling and improves combustion effectivity.
- Combination distribution: The port ought to promote a good distribution of air and gasoline to every cylinder. This ensures optimum combustion and balanced efficiency.
- Air attachment: The port ought to encourage air to remain connected to the cylinder wall because it enters, which helps enhance airflow and energy output.
10. Vortec Heads
The Vortec heads, launched in 1996, had been a serious improve over the earlier TBI heads. They featured bigger consumption and exhaust valves, a revised combustion chamber design, and improved airflow. These heads had been used on all GM small-block V8 engines from 1996 to 2002, they usually stay well-liked with efficiency lovers immediately.
Execs:
- Elevated energy and torque
- Improved gasoline economic system
- Lowered emissions
- Straightforward to search out and reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not probably the most optimum design for high-performance purposes
- Could require some modifications to put in on older engines
Compatibility:
| Engine | Vortec Heads |
|---|---|
| 1996-2002 GM Small-Block V8 | Sure |
| Pre-1996 GM Small-Block V8 | Requires modifications |
Efficiency Beneficial properties:
| Software | Energy Enhance | Torque Enhance |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Vortec engine | 15-25 hp | 15-25 lb-ft |
| Modified Vortec engine | 40-60 hp | 40-60 lb-ft |
350 Chevy Heads: The Greatest and the Worst
The small block Chevy engine is likely one of the hottest and versatile engines ever made. It has been utilized in every thing from traditional muscle automobiles to trendy efficiency autos. One of the vital essential parts of any engine is the cylinder head. The cylinder head is liable for sealing the combustion chamber and controlling the circulate of air and gasoline into and out of the engine. There are lots of several types of cylinder heads obtainable for the small block Chevy, and every one has its personal benefits and downsides.
A number of the greatest 350 Chevy heads embrace:
- Vortec heads: These heads had been developed by GM within the late Nineteen Eighties and early Nineties. They characteristic a swirl-port design that helps to enhance air circulate and combustion effectivity. Vortec heads can be found in each aluminum and iron variations.
- Bowtie heads: These heads had been developed by GM within the early 2000s. They characteristic an oblong port design that’s much like the ports discovered on LS engines. Bowtie heads can be found in each aluminum and iron variations.
- Edelbrock heads: Edelbrock is a number one producer of aftermarket cylinder heads. They provide all kinds of heads for the small block Chevy, together with heads designed for avenue efficiency, drag racing, and oval monitor racing.
A number of the worst 350 Chevy heads embrace:
- Pre-Vortec heads: These heads had been used on small block Chevy engines from the Nineteen Fifties to the late Nineteen Eighties. They characteristic a dated design that doesn’t circulate air or gasoline very effectively. Pre-Vortec heads will not be beneficial for efficiency purposes.
- Iron heads with small valves: Iron heads are usually heavier than aluminum heads, and they don’t conduct warmth as effectively. Small valves can prohibit air circulate and horsepower. Iron heads with small valves will not be beneficial for efficiency purposes.
- Cracked heads: Cracked heads could cause a wide range of issues, together with coolant leaks, oil leaks, and combustion issues. Cracked heads must be repaired or changed as quickly as attainable.
Folks Additionally Ask About 350 Chevy Heads: Greatest and Worst
What are the perfect 350 Chevy heads for avenue efficiency?
The perfect 350 Chevy heads for avenue efficiency are the Vortec heads. They provide a very good stability of airflow, combustion effectivity, and sturdiness.
What are the perfect 350 Chevy heads for drag racing?
The perfect 350 Chevy heads for drag racing are the Bowtie heads. They provide wonderful airflow and combustion effectivity, and they’re obtainable in a wide range of port sizes to fulfill the wants of various drag racing purposes.
What are the worst 350 Chevy heads?
The worst 350 Chevy heads are the pre-Vortec heads. They provide poor airflow and combustion effectivity, and they aren’t beneficial for efficiency purposes.
How can I establish 350 Chevy heads?
There are a number of methods to establish 350 Chevy heads. A method is to search for the casting numbers. The casting numbers are situated on the highest of the heads, between the valve covers. One other option to establish 350 Chevy heads is to have a look at the ports. The ports on 350 Chevy heads are usually rectangular.
