Creepycrawler

I got myself in a jam earlyer today. My truck (2000 nbs chevy 2500) broke a valve spring, (anybody else have this happen???) so I ordered a set of gmpp valve springs from Scoggin-dickey, the blue ones. I replaced the broken spring no problem and went to change the next spring and the valve fell down in the motor I was using a leak down setup with compressed air to hold em in place, but it failed somehow... either way now I have to remove that head to get the valve back... so this brings me to the crossroads...

1. stay with the 873 iron heads or..
2. Get some 317s?

I have been wanting to get some better aluminum heads for a while, but if there is not much to gain from the 317s I may just put the iron heads back together and call it a day? also open to suggestions on other head options.

3pedals

iTrader: (3)

if the valve is not down out of the valve guide, you may be able to grab the stem through the port with LONG needle nose pliers and pull the valve up enough to grab it above the guide. Id put some rubber tape on the jaws to keep from marking up the valve stem. you may also have to use another tool throught the spark plug hole to hold the valve while re-positioning the pliers.......
just tossing out ideas, would be cool to salvage the situation and not have to remove the heads

Creepycrawler

I hoped for the same thing, but it made the full trip down into the cylinder

3pedals

iTrader: (3)

shitty deal
nothing wrong with 317's I would swap to them if I was in your situation. No way would the iron heads go back on

Creepycrawler

do the 317s flow better? I dont mind the weight of the iron heads but I will swap them if I get a small hp/tq boost. I couldnt find any info on the iron heads

3pedals

iTrader: (3)

I dont know the difference between the iron heads and 317's, but i think they are very much the same. no real gain other than the weight loss.

redtan

iTrader: (5)

I would imagine the AL 317s would flow quite a bit more than your stock heads. They are basically a 243/LS6 head but with bigger combustion chambers. Those are great heads and should be a good upgrade for your truck

custm2500

iTrader: (11)

I would never consider putting the iron heads back on. The 317s are good and event if they make the same power you will gain from loosing 75 lbs. I would think the are going to flow better so you should see some small gains in power.

You should be able to get a set shipped to your door for $200-$400 depending where you live.