Just picked up some excellent condition 1999 L-29 vortec heads up for $100. I have heard these are equipped with inconel exhaust valves as they were used on heavy duty trucks? Is this true? Plan on using stock valves and merely cleaning castings up as most data shows larger valves and porting just hurts these offerings. Thanks

Anyone???

I dont think the Vortec heads came on an L-19 but on the lighter duty L-29 pickup engine.I just did a valve job on an L-29 this spring at by the way the exhaust valve faces were beat, up i doubt they are inconel.
I would try to find a set of 781 or 049 casting number heads .

Inserted 19, instead of 29. Yes these are the L-29 and I plan on running flat tops, so 781 or 049's won't work. I'm modeling my build after "330 on roids" with some minor changes. He made 460hp with L-29 heads. I know for sure the seats are hardened, but have heard some came with inconel exhaust valves for the towing duty these engines were subjected to. My valves look awesome in these used heads. Tried to find an aftermarket inconel 1.72 valve with no luck. GM has them though.

pull a valve on the manly Inconel magnet will stick until you slide down and hit the Inconel part, that may be a way to tell, or look for part number...

I have read in several places the 454 Vortec truck engine used Inconel valves. And so did the 8.1L truck engine. Inconel is great for withstanding heat, but like any valve, will get damaged from valvetrain issues, weak valve springs, detonation, etc.

I will post a pic later of one from my boat. Never seen a valve do this before!!

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This was one of my inconel after a very lean condition of fuel starvation... If this was a regular valve I woulda been screwed!!!!

lucky it was inconel. a reglar valve woulda pro bably dropped the head right off...

Thanks for the help guys. Decided the L-29 heads are a waste of time and money. Going for either Dart iron eagle 308's or AFR's on a 496. Might as well do it right and ensure inconel valves are used in a good flowing head!