Anybody have a way to id which cylinder heads I have? I got a pair of heads(for free) off a mid 90s 5.7 mercruiser, they are the centerbolt valve cover type. I am wondering if they are the Vortec heads and if I could use them on my older merc 260 to increase power? What numbers or casting marks should I look for?

look at the combustion chamber, very easy to tell. Lots of pics online on how to tell. Also saw tooth castng marks on the end of the head.

Yes you can use them on your older merc 260's, if they are vortec it will require new intake manifolds. and the vortec gasket sets are about $100 more than the standard old school chevy stuff.

Brian

Pull the valve cover and find the casting number in the oil return. If it ends in 906 or 062 they are vortec

Do the heads only have 8 bolt holes to mount the intake? Vortec heads don't have bolts in the center of the head like other SB heads.

Vortecs do have center bolts just drilled at a different angle

Those are the earlier throttle body heads off a truck.

I remember seeing 007 stamped in the top of the head, under the valve cover. I also remember there are 2 bolts in the center, between the intake ports, on each side. I don't have them with me I will report back with more info when I get it.

Not so,

Vortec heads only have 4 bolts for the intake.

2 center bolts at diff angle than end ones? they are TBI heads. they will work, but have no real perf value. also you hafta either get an intake manifold that matches them, or butcher an old style one by cutting the 4 center bolts into slots to mount center bolts. they were free. go get 8 cents a pound for them and put towards a set of vortecs or Darts...or beer...