I am pulling out the 454 out of my '66 because I have to many issues with it. My father in law gave me a Vortec engine out of a '97 truck and was going to use that till I found out it was a 305. My dad is offering me a 383 stroker that needs heads and was wondering if I should invest on the 305 vortec heads. I tried researching the difference between the 350 and 305 vortec heads but I was only able to get info on the 350 heads. So if anyone knows why I should not go with the 305 heads, please let me know, Thxs Reno

Reno,
The 305 heads have a much smaller combustion chamber and will push the compression ratio of the 383 into CamII territory, even with flat top pistons.

Just throw the darn thing in there while you sort out your 454! If you are planning on small block power from here on out, then that stroker and some cheap upgraded vortecs or iron eagles and the like should set you back to much.

Thxs for the help guys, I decicded to run with the 305 as I intend to drive this car all the time. The 383 with a higher compression would not be ideal in my situation. FYI the 454 was to much power and heat even with an aluminum radiator here in AZ with this 115 deg weather plus my frame was starting to crack at the wheel well. Again thxs for the help.:)

hey reno watcha going to do with that 454?

I plan on setting it aside since I have to replace the main bearings. The engine got a little hot and started knocking. I will have to go through it but everything is new including the crank so I forsee no huge expense. The engine has under 500 miles on it. I dont no yet, but I have no use for it so might be inclined to sell. :(

if that vortec 305 is complete with the Fi system, you might be surprised how well it runs. I had a vortec 305 in my old full size and it was more powerfull than the 350 in the truck I traded in on it. The vortec 305 is rated at 235hp. If it can push my old shortbed x-cab around, your chevelle will be just fine untill you rebuild that 454.

The Fi system did not come with it, but i plan on running a carb with a new intake that will go with this vortec. I also plan on redoing the heads to accomadate a bigger cam that wont go over a 2500rpm stall converter. If possible though i will try to stick with the stock heads unless the cam i pick requires some head wrk. If anyone knows the max lift on a stock 305 vortec head it would greatly be appreaciated. I have looked but can only get specs for the 350 vortec.

Aww, man, I thought you were offering a free vortec engine!