Vortec L31 cylinder head

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(Valve springs, retainers and locks)
(Upgrading and compatibility)
 
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There are some inherent costs associated in swapping from 1995-back heads to the L31 Vortec heads. Here is a list of items to be purchased and/or labor associated with the upgrade:
 
There are some inherent costs associated in swapping from 1995-back heads to the L31 Vortec heads. Here is a list of items to be purchased and/or labor associated with the upgrade:
 
* L31 heads  
 
* L31 heads  
* Springs if the cam has a valve lift over about 0.420"
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* Springs if the cam has a valve lift over about 0.440"
 
* 1987 to present center bolt style valve covers if the heads used previously were perimeter style (1986 and earlier including the current production Goodwrench 350 crate motor)
 
* 1987 to present center bolt style valve covers if the heads used previously were perimeter style (1986 and earlier including the current production Goodwrench 350 crate motor)
 
** Note: [http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Vortec_L31_cylinder_head#Small_port_Vortec_head_p.2Fn_25534351_.28bare.29_and_p.2Fn_25534421_.28assembled.29 GMPP small and large port Vortec heads] and other aftermarket Vortec heads accept either perimeter or center bolt valve covers [[File:Vortec valve-rocker.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Self aligning stamped steel rockers]]
 
** Note: [http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Vortec_L31_cylinder_head#Small_port_Vortec_head_p.2Fn_25534351_.28bare.29_and_p.2Fn_25534421_.28assembled.29 GMPP small and large port Vortec heads] and other aftermarket Vortec heads accept either perimeter or center bolt valve covers [[File:Vortec valve-rocker.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Self aligning stamped steel rockers]]
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==Valve guide boss==
 
==Valve guide boss==
 
[[File:900 guide boss1.jpg|thumb|450px|left|Stock Vortec boss is 0.845"OD]]
 
[[File:900 guide boss1.jpg|thumb|450px|left|Stock Vortec boss is 0.845"OD]]
For performance use, often the guide boss will be shortened to allow more lift without retainer to seal clearance problems. Along with that, the guide boss OD can be machined down from 0.845" to a smaller common diameter, like 0.785" of the original Gen1 SBC heads, so aftermarket springs (double or with dampers) can be used. At the same time the top of the boss where the seal is located can be machined from 0.555" (stock) to a smaller diameter like 0.530" to use commonly available seals.
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For performance use, often the guide boss will be shortened to allow more lift without retainer to seal clearance problems. Along with that, the guide boss OD can be machined down from 0.852" to a smaller common diameter, like 0.785" of the original Gen1 SBC heads, so aftermarket springs (double or with dampers) can be used. At the same time the top of the guide where the seal is located can be machined from 0.555" (stock) to a smaller diameter like 0.530" to use commonly available seals.
 
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;From an article by editor Jeff Smith:
 
;From an article by editor Jeff Smith:
<blockquote>The Comp Cams cutter increases the spring-seat diameter while simultaneously reducing the outside diameter (OD) of the guide boss. The Crane tool also cuts the valve-guide-seal diameter at the same time. Comp sells a separate tool that cuts a new guide seal and reduces the guide height to create additional retainer-to-seal clearance. Both cutters machine the top of the guide down to a 0.530-inch diameter, which is the standard size for positive-type aftermarket seals. This requires purchasing new valve-guide seals, since the factory uses a 0.560-inch guide to locate the seals. Another way to go is to have a machine shop cut the guide boss diameter to around 0.760 inch and reduce the seal height and use either the Crane H-11 tool steel spring (PN 99846) or the Comp spring (PN 981).
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<blockquote>The Comp Cams cutter increases the spring-seat diameter while simultaneously reducing the outside diameter (OD) of the guide boss. The Crane tool also cuts the valve-guide-seal diameter at the same time. Comp sells a separate tool that cuts a new guide seal and reduces the guide height to create additional retainer-to-seal clearance. Both cutters machine the top of the guide down to a 0.530-inch diameter, which is the standard size for positive-type aftermarket seals. This requires purchasing new valve-guide seals, since the factory uses a 0.555-inch guide to locate the seals. Another way to go is to have a machine shop cut the guide boss diameter to around 0.760 inch and reduce the seal height and use either the Crane H-11 tool steel spring (PN 99846) or the Comp spring (PN 981).
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
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<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Crane Cams valve spring and retainer kit. Drop-in springs with no machine work needed.</td>
 
<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Crane Cams valve spring and retainer kit. Drop-in springs with no machine work needed.</td>
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</tr>
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<tr class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">
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<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Vsk4h53</td>
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<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Alex's Parts valve spring kit. Drop in fit, machine work not required up to .550" Lift, Hyd Roller.</td>
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</tr>
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<tr class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">
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<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Vsk4h50</td>
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<td class="wbg-blacktext" align="center" valign="top">Alex's Parts valve spring kit. Drop in fit, machine work not required up to .550" Lift, Hyd Flat Tappet.</td>
  
 
</tr>
 
</tr>

Latest revision as of 23:22, 10 July 2020

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