87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

[wileecoyote]

I have a set of Vortec heads from a 96 s-10. I planned to upgrade the intake manifold and carb along with the heads. I recently had the exh manifolds rot inside and fill cyl with water. Has anyone done this conversion? If so what do I need to do for the exhaust manifolds? They are listed different, but I don't see a difference in the bolt pattern on the head, I'm looking for the manifolds I need to replace them with that will fit the Vortec heads and still fit in the boat. Help with pics would be great!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

You're Right,........ There's No difference........

Get the Exhaust Manifolds that Match your Boat/ Drive...........

 

[180shabah]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

Also be prepared to get a new prop as well. These heads are worth approx. 30hp. How close to 4800 was your WOT with the old setup?

 

[wileecoyote]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I have a 19 pitch right now and it seems to get in the 4600-4800 are, but I'm not sure I trust the in dash gauge. I ahven't checked with my handheld digital yet. So, Whats the word on the intake? I've heard the Edelbrock performer is a good one with a flat/ long range. Whats a good place to get the intake and marine carb?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

summitracing.com is a good place to get a carb. (<$400 - 4bbl Holley), good deals on intakes, too. I bought a lot of parts from them for the OBA setup in my CJ-7. They're solid.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I've seen the Edelbrock manifolds on ebay,+ at Jegs,........

You might have an Issue with it,.. being Aluminum,... in the Saltwater,.......

Michigan Motors sells a Cast Iron version on ebay...........

I like the Edlebrock Carbs as well,....... It's a Carbon Copy of the Merc./ Weber carbs.........

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I got my Vortec intake from Summit...........but like bondo says, it would be a problem in salt.

Are you FWC'd or raw water?

Got my Edelbrock 1409 carb from a local speed shop during a troubleshooting frenzy...........but that's a whole other story.........

 

[wileecoyote]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I'm in the Potomac river in Southern Md, it depends on the weather. It's fresh sometimes and salty others. I would say it's a mix. If it's aluminum will it rot out that fast? I still can't find the exhaust manifolds? I think I have to adapt over to another style instead of the one piece "bat wing"

 

[KaGee]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I'm in the Potomac river in Southern Md, it depends on the weather. It's fresh sometimes and salty others. I would say it's a mix. If it's aluminum will it rot out that fast? I still can't find the exhaust manifolds? I think I have to adapt over to another style instead of the one piece "bat wing"

Aluminum and salt do not mix. The electrolysis will eat away the aluminum unless your boat is fresh water cooled.

Another thing to consider is... will the manifolds fit a Vortec head? I know the bolt pattern is the same, but what about clearance issues with the valve covers, etc.??

 

[wileecoyote]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

Thats a good point. I need to look and see if it's any different. I have the heads here and I think I can bolt it all up and see. If anything I think it would have more room as the VC for the Vortec is tapered up. My only problem, I think, is the height, as my rear seats and eng cover are the same fiberglass piece and is close to the carb and shift actuator.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

I recently had the exh manifolds rot inside and fill cyl with water. Has anyone done this conversion? If so what do I need to do for the exhaust manifolds? They are listed different, but I don't see a difference in the bolt pattern on the head, I'm looking for the manifolds I need to replace them with that will fit the Vortec heads and still fit in the boat. Help with pics would be great!

Did these Manifolds that Rotted out happen to be the 1pc. style, with the cast in place Riser,..??...??.....

If So,.......... Disreguard My post above about using the Same Manifolds as you had Before..............

IF you had the 1pc. Manifolds,........ I'd do the Conversion to the 2pc. Manifolds,+ Risers............

Either Way,....... The Clearance Issue is Non-existent...........
They'll fit the Vortec Heads Just Fine...............

All the Differences are on the Intake side,+ the Combustion Chambers..............

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

The conversion to the two piece exhaust manifols may require changing the exhaust Y-pipe. Do your homework.

 

[tommays]

Re: 87 4.3 upgrade to Vortec heads

It could be me BUT it seems like a lot of work to put into a 19 year old motor and and an outdrive that may not be to thrilled about getting pushed that hard in its older years

Tommays