garrettpen

I was recently just planning on doing a cam and valve train swap on my 98 T/A. I got it all ripped apart got the new cam in (TR224) and comenced to swaping in the comp 918 springs and ti retainers. Then on the third valve from the back the bolt twisted off in the rocker bolt hole. since it's hardened i can't drill it out so i came to the conclusion of just pulling the heads off and using the EDM machine at school to remove the bolt. My question is is it worth the money to have them ported and polished while they are off? I had one shop tell me they charge a flat rate of $250, and another said they charge $60/hr. I dont really wanna splurge on new heads, but i dont know how big a difference a polish and port job will make. I was also wandering if there was a writeup of how to do this yourself? thanks.

heavymetals

iTrader: (3)

If you haven't ported or polished chambers before, you had better make allowances for the possibility of buying new heads.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

If you were going to have your heads done, itll probably just be cheaper to look into the CNC LS6 heads out there that are under a thousand ducats.

If you wanted to try and do them yourself, here are some links:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/316041-pics-my-bo-white-ported-241-s.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...Y+ported+heads
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...Y+ported+heads
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...Y+ported+heads
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...Y+ported+heads

Here are some pictures of my heads about half way through the process:
http://www.ihearyou.com/~tony/pictur...ds/page_01.htm
http://www.ihearyou.com/~tony/pictur...ds/page_02.htm

Unfortunately I was in a rush to get them on the car so I dont have any finished pics. Im VERY pleased with the results.

garrettpen

So basically the p and p heads aren't really worth the money, i need to buck up and buy a good set of heads or not do anything at all? (aside from general cleaning and going through)

turbotacoma

iTrader: (1)

I have a set of stock ported 98- heads for $400 dollars with gaskets and bolts....but make me an offer. I have them for sale in the parts for sale section.
Here is a link to the heads:
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/album01/Dyno_graph_006
The dyno graph with these heads and tr224 cam.

http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/album01?page=2
http://www.ls1miata.net/gallery/album01?page=3
Pictures of the heads etc.

The heads have 15k on them. Just been cleaned, new springs, retainers, valve and guides checked and lapped in, and ready to go. The springs are good for .580" lift.

If interested make an offer....this will save you time with your cam install!!!

Thanks

turbotacoma

iTrader: (1)

Headgaskets come with them too....as well as the valve covers etc.