Heads

[Choppers]

I am currently in the process of finding new heads to start doing port work on them and adding 105lb comp springs, zzp modded retainers, comp valve locks and viton valve seals. Nothing is wrong with my heads on my car now(1996 heads). I just don't want a long downtime so I am jsut going to purchase another set of heads to start building. My question is. Is there any head years that are better than others? Also should I get anything else to throw in the heads while I will have them apart? I most likely will have a machine shop do the work.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Heads

bigger valves....and i believe 2000-2002 heads are what u want...mill em down a little 0.01-0.02 to up your compression

[Bandit127]

Re: Heads

I read earlier on here that the later year 3800 heads have a different casting design, which allows a stronger spring. I'll take a look to find it but I'm sure someone who works with the 3800 will find it first.

The guys like Abbott (I think) only accept heads of a certain year plus for this reason.
Gimme a moment and I'll try and find somethin.

I'm a 3.4 guy :P (but really a 10 if you ask the right girls.)

EDIT: too late! haha

[Choppers]

Re: Heads

Ok. I read on abbotts site as well he only excepts certain years and I believe 96's he does not. So which ever year I need to get I will try to find them. So if you guys find out what year let me know.

[Choppers]

Re: Heads

I am not that into the valves and stuff. How do you put in bigger valves and is there a brand name I should look into?

[pace2006]

Re: Heads

There's another thread like this from a couple weeks ago, but basically the earlier head castings had a trouble spot that was prone to crack after being ported under harsh conditions. The redesigned heads came out sometime around mid-98, but don't have larger valves. Series III heads have slightly larger intake valves, but even that difference is minimal.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Heads

the machine shop will be able to install them for you...I would look into manley valves, some people had a problem with the SI valves breaking

[Choppers]

Re: Heads

So is it even really worth it if I get 98+ heads to put bigger valves in? I don't think I will put bigger valves in. I mean won't other factors like rockers and pushrods now have to be cut and stuff?

[Bandit127]

Re: Heads

There's another thread like this from a couple weeks ago, but basically the earlier head castings had a trouble spot that was prone to crack after being ported under harsh conditions. The redesigned heads came out sometime around mid-98, but don't have larger valves. Series III heads have slightly larger intake valves, but even that difference is minimal.

This is why its worth getting the newer heads. Simply because they are built stronger.

[ssms5411]

Re: Heads

I posted the # of the heads awhile back they will be inside the head on the center section, I had 1 of my 96' heads break the valve guide completly off , even after it was inspected and milled, pissed me off. So now I wouldn't use any 96-97 heads.

[Choppers]

Re: Heads

If anyone has any 98 or newer heads or anyone that has them please let me know. On average how much would a machine shop charge to rebuild the heads with what I mentioned above and do whatever else is done on a head job and do some port work?

[ssms5411]

Re: Heads

Don't know about port work , I did my own , but for a 3 angle valve job , bead blasted clean, and milled .010 it was $250. I used a manual on head porting that was very helpful and also used some 2000 degree silver heat paint on them, did the upper and lower intakes too but used black heat paint. Took alittle while to do it , but I have nothing else to do so it kept me busy. LOL I was going to use some manely valves but changed my mind and got stock replacements since they seem to hold up pretty well. I do have some Stock size SI valves from ZZP still new, can't use them since I will be turboed, but for N/A/cammed they should work fine, its just power adders and springs over 115LBS is where they get you into trouble. PM me if interested in the valves I have pucs of them installed in the heads on my Cardomain site in my sig. ZZP will have the info/specs on them.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Heads

If anyone has any 98 or newer heads or anyone that has them please let me know. On average how much would a machine shop charge to rebuild the heads with what I mentioned above and do whatever else is done on a head job and do some port work?

this is a local shop by me (usually prices out here are more expensive) www.automachineshop.ca but this should give you an idea atleast...Im going to be talking to this shop soon (I may just have a set of heads on its way to my house this week :stp:) actually, if everything checks out, I may even have the spare set of heads in the garage I can sell ya...but I won't know for sure for atleast a few weeks...

[Choppers]

Re: Heads

Are all 1998 heads the newer version or are some of them like the ones I already have? I found a set but don't know what a good price on them is and also want to make sure I get the new style and not what I already have.

[ssms5411]

Re: Heads

As long as they have the new casting # most the heads will come without springs, valves and retainers and are about $100 plus shipping. So about $150 or so shipped would be the average I would think, ebay has used heads also just make sure the casting #.