On the subject of the world of scorching rodding and engine constructing, the Chevrolet small block is an iconic and enduring determine. For many years, these engines have powered numerous basic vehicles, muscle vehicles, and race vehicles, they usually proceed to be a well-liked selection for lovers right this moment. One of the vital vital parts of any engine is the cylinder head, and the Chevrolet small block has a lot of totally different head choices out there. Among the many hottest and well-respected are the 350 Chevy heads.
There are lots of the reason why 350 Chevy heads are so widespread. First, they’re comparatively straightforward to search out and inexpensive. Second, they’re recognized for his or her good efficiency, each when it comes to energy and gasoline financial 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 harder to seal, which may result in leaks.
Total, 350 Chevy heads are a sensible choice for quite a lot of purposes. They provide good efficiency, are comparatively straightforward to search out and inexpensive, and are straightforward to switch. Nonetheless, they are often heavier than another head choices and will be harder to seal. Finally, one of the simplest ways to decide on the appropriate cylinder head in your engine is to contemplate your particular wants and objectives.
The Finest 350 Chevy Heads for Efficiency
Vortec 350 Heads
The Vortec 350 heads, launched in 1996, signify a major 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 positive factors 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 seeking to improve the efficiency of their 350 Chevy.
These heads function:
- Revised combustion chamber design for improved air-fuel mixing
- Improved port circulate for elevated airflow
- Increased compression ratio for elevated energy
- Obtainable 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 supplied on Vortec 350 engines from 1996 to 2002. These heads function small consumption runners and a bathtub-shaped combustion chamber, each of which prohibit airflow and cut back efficiency. Vortec heads even have a low compression ratio (9.4:1), which additional limits energy output.
The most important downside with Vortec heads is the dearth of aftermarket help. There are only a few efficiency upgrades out there for these heads, which makes it tough to enhance their efficiency.
Disadvantages of Vortec Heads:
| Drawback |
|---|
| Small consumption runners |
| Bathtub-shaped combustion chamber |
| Low compression ratio |
| Lack of aftermarket help |
On account of these disadvantages, Vortec heads are finest prevented when constructing a efficiency 350 Chevy engine.
Figuring out the Proper 350 Chevy Head for Your Wants
Selecting the best 350 Chevy head in your engine can considerably affect efficiency. Take into account the next elements:
Combustion Chamber Design
The combustion chamber form impacts the air-fuel combination and combustion effectivity. Widespread designs embrace:
- Open Chambers: Supreme for low-compression engines and supply higher airflow however require larger compression ratios.
- Closed Chambers: Scale back detonation and supply larger compression ratios however could prohibit airflow.
- Rectangular Ports: Enhance airflow at excessive RPMs however could 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 practice 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 Collection: Trendy design with 4 valves per cylinder and a high-flow consumption system, sometimes put in on GM LS engines.
Consumption and Exhaust Ports
The scale and form of the consumption and exhaust ports have an effect on airflow and energy output:
| Port Kind | Circulate Traits |
|---|---|
| Giant Ports | Elevated airflow capability for high-performance purposes |
| Small Ports | Improved low-end torque and gasoline financial system |
| Cathedral Ports | Optimized for low-RPM torque and supply higher scavenging |
| Bowtie Ports | Designed for high-RPM efficiency and diminished consumption turbulence |
Evaluating Totally different 350 Chevy Head Configurations
On the subject of selecting the best cylinder heads in your 350 Chevy engine, there are a variety of things to contemplate. These embrace the engine’s meant use, the specified energy output, and the price range. That can assist you make an knowledgeable choice, this is a comparability of a few of the hottest 350 Chevy head configurations out there.
Aluminum vs. Iron Heads
Aluminum heads are lighter than iron heads, which may enhance engine efficiency and gasoline financial system. Nonetheless, aluminum heads are additionally costlier than iron heads. Iron heads are extra sturdy than aluminum heads, however they’re additionally heavier and might cut back engine efficiency.
Vortec Heads
Vortec heads are a well-liked selection for efficiency purposes. They function a singular consumption port design that helps to enhance airflow and improve 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 function a bigger consumption runner quantity than Vortec heads, which helps to enhance low-end torque. L98 heads are sometimes made from iron.
AFR Heads
AFR heads are a high-performance aftermarket head that’s designed for racing purposes. They function a lot of superior design options that assist to extend airflow and energy. AFR heads are sometimes made 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
On the subject of upgrading the efficiency of your 350 Chevy engine, probably the greatest 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 financial system and cut back emissions.
Improved Airflow
Probably the most vital advantage of upgrading to an aftermarket 350 Chevy head is improved airflow. Aftermarket heads are sometimes 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 major improve in horsepower and torque.
Elevated Horsepower and Torque
On account of the improved airflow, aftermarket 350 Chevy heads can present a major improve in horsepower and torque. Relying on the particular head design and the opposite modifications made to the engine, it’s attainable to see positive factors of as much as 50 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque.
Improved Gasoline Economic system
Whereas it could appear counterintuitive, putting in an aftermarket 350 Chevy head can truly enhance gasoline financial system. It’s 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%.
Decreased Emissions
One other advantage of upgrading to an aftermarket 350 Chevy head is diminished emissions. The improved airflow and combustion effectivity can result in a discount in dangerous emissions, resembling hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
Forms of Aftermarket 350 Chevy Heads
There are lots of various kinds of aftermarket 350 Chevy heads out there available on the market. Every kind of head has its personal distinctive benefits and downsides. A number of the hottest varieties 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, diminished airflow |
| Vortec Heads | Improved airflow, elevated horsepower, diminished emissions | Dearer than conventional heads |
Widespread 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 as a result of 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 financial 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 using 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 financial 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 financial 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 pinnacle 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 significantly susceptible to exhaust manifold cracking. This is because of the truth that the No. 6 cylinder is positioned 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 made 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 financial system. For those who suspect that your exhaust manifold is cracked, you possibly can have it inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic will be capable to decide if the exhaust manifold is cracked and can advocate the perfect plan of action.
| Situation | Signs |
|---|---|
| Cracked exhaust manifolds | Loud exhaust leak, lack of energy, decreased gasoline financial system |
| Warped cylinder heads | Overheating, decreased energy, tough idle |
| Valve seat recession | Noisy valvetrain, elevated oil consumption, decreased gasoline financial 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 looking for the last 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 objectives and engine modifications. Some widespread 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 vital energy positive factors, however they arrive at the next price and require further modifications to the engine, resembling camshaft and consumption manifold upgrades, to totally unleash their potential. Correct tuning can be essential to make sure optimum efficiency and reliability.
Professional Ideas for Deciding on the Finest 350 Chevy Head
8. Contemplating Chamber Quantity
Chamber quantity performs an important position in figuring out the engine’s compression ratio. The next compression ratio will increase energy and effectivity however can result in detonation points if not correctly managed.
Combustion Chamber Design
Chamber design enormously impacts combustion effectivity. Totally different heads function various swirl or tumble patterns that promote optimum gasoline mixing and flame propagation. Matching the chamber design to the meant engine setup and gasoline kind optimizes combustion and efficiency.
Valve Measurement and Placement
Bigger and optimized valve sizes permit for better airflow and enhance engine respiration. The location 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 development high quality straight affect sturdiness and efficiency. Forged iron heads supply glorious power and sturdiness, whereas aluminum heads present weight financial savings and higher warmth dissipation. The standard of casting, machining, and meeting strategies ensures correct fitment, sealing, and total efficiency.
Avoiding Widespread 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. Totally different port designs can have an effect on circulate traits, combination distribution, and air velocity. Match the port form of the pinnacle to your particular engine construct and objectives.
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 giant displacement engines, broad energy band |
| Oval ports | Improved airflow, can help larger RPM |
- Circulate capability: The port space determines the utmost quantity of air that may circulate by way of the pinnacle. A bigger port permits for extra airflow and better energy potential.
- Port velocity: The port’s form and size affect the air’s velocity. Increased velocity helps forestall gasoline puddling and improves combustion effectivity.
- Combination distribution: The port ought to promote an excellent 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 widespread with efficiency lovers right this moment.
Professionals:
- Elevated energy and torque
- Improved gasoline financial system
- Decreased emissions
- Straightforward to search out and inexpensive
Cons:
- Not probably the most optimum design for high-performance purposes
- Might 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 Good points:
| Utility | 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 Finest and the Worst
The small block Chevy engine is without doubt one of the hottest and versatile engines ever made. It has been utilized in the whole lot from basic muscle vehicles to trendy efficiency automobiles. One of the vital vital parts of any engine is the cylinder head. The cylinder head is chargeable for sealing the combustion chamber and controlling the circulate of air and gasoline into and out of the engine. There are lots of various kinds of cylinder heads out there for the small block Chevy, and each has its personal benefits and downsides.
A number of the finest 350 Chevy heads embrace:
- Vortec heads: These heads had been developed by GM within the late Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties. They function 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 function 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 observe 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 Eighties. They function a dated design that doesn’t circulate air or gasoline very effectively. Pre-Vortec heads usually are not advisable for efficiency purposes.
- Iron heads with small valves: Iron heads are sometimes 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 usually are not advisable for efficiency purposes.
- Cracked heads: Cracked heads could cause quite a lot of issues, together with coolant leaks, oil leaks, and combustion issues. Cracked heads ought to be repaired or changed as quickly as attainable.
Individuals Additionally Ask About 350 Chevy Heads: Finest and Worst
What are the perfect 350 Chevy heads for avenue efficiency?
The very best 350 Chevy heads for avenue efficiency are the Vortec heads. They provide stability of airflow, combustion effectivity, and sturdiness.
What are the perfect 350 Chevy heads for drag racing?
The very best 350 Chevy heads for drag racing are the Bowtie heads. They provide glorious airflow and combustion effectivity, and they’re out there in quite a lot of port sizes to satisfy 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 advisable for efficiency purposes.
How can I determine 350 Chevy heads?
There are a number of methods to determine 350 Chevy heads. A method is to search for the casting numbers. The casting numbers are positioned on the highest of the heads, between the valve covers. One other approach to determine 350 Chevy heads is to take a look at the ports. The ports on 350 Chevy heads are sometimes rectangular.
