"Fast Burn 385" and Vortec 350 Compatibility

[speedshifter]

Hey guys!

 

I just bought a '97 GMC Yukon with the Vortec 350.  The truck has 138k miles on it and the trans just blew.  I'm taking the trans out to rebuild it and am going to replace the engine while I'm at it.

 

(No I'm not rich, just have good connections!)

 

I got a 7k mile short block out of a '98 Pickup that I'm gonna swap in, long story on how I got it.

 

Anyway, as long as I have the trans out, I might as well put in this engine.  And while I am installing the engine, its a good time to do a hard performance upgrade, HEADS!!!!

 

Instead of bolting on the 138k mile stocker, I'm opting to get the GM Perf Parts Fast Burn 385 Heads. (Part #12464298)

 

They use the Vortec style intake, so that should fit.  I have to get a couple gaskets, no biggie.  Then I see the little note on the bottom that says, "Exhaust headers with LT1/LT4 style flanges are required."  Does this mean that truck headers wont fit?

 

Also which head gasket should I use?

[speedshifter]

Actually I'm going to use the Edelbrock E-Tec 200 Heads.  They are about $25 cheaper than the Fast burn heads and also flow 10% more on the intake and 17% more on the exhaust over the fast burns.  And they use the standard exhaust ports instead of the LT1/LT4.

 

The head gasket question still remains.

[speedshifter]

for the sake of money, ive decided to have the stock heads ported and polished and have a new valve job.

 

im taking this discussion elsewhere cuz i aint getting many replies.

[americanmuscleman]

I'm interested in your topic, but I think if your going to port your stock heads, you should probably get a slightly lumpier cam to take advantage of them.  

 

Stock Vortec heads flow pretty well stock.  I know if you work the short-side radius' on the intake side, you can see quite a gain.  You can swap in 2.00/1.56 valves in the stock seats.

 

I'd be interested to hear how your project works out!  I would recommend Felpro head gaskets.  Their are a couple different ones you can get for Vortec motors, but I don't know the part numbers.

 

An excellent cam to compliment ported heads (or stock Vortec heads) would be the LT4 cam (not the LT4 Hot cam).  While you have the motor out, it would be a pretty easy swap, and would let you fully utilize the power ported heads can make.  Vortec's are a roller motor anyway, so it would be an easy swap.

 

Good luck!