BJM

iTrader: (1)

As part of an engine build up I am planning I might have my stock heads ported. If I take my stock heads off the engine, what if anything do I need to do to the head surface? A machine shop told me I need to have the head skimmed to remove any "imprinting" which sounded like BS.

I am worried about gouging the aluminum surface with anything aggressive like a spinning wire brush like I used to use on iron blocks and heads.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

If you're going to port your stock heads, you really should mill the heads to increase compression and ensure that you have a nice true flat surface w/o any old gasket material left over. (Milling is what you're referring to as skimming) If you have 2001 heads, you probably have 241 castings so they'll really benifit from about a .020-.040 mill depending on your goals.

BJM

iTrader: (1)

Good point about shaving the heads. If instead I get new heads but at some point want to reuse the stock ones as is, do I need to do something to the surface?

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

Just make sure all the old gasket material is scraped off and the surface is flat.

trans_am_31

iTrader: (51)

What Xtnct00WS6 said. Make sure you clen the head surfaces and that they are clear of any old gasket material. Good luck.

BJM

iTrader: (1)

What should I use to clean the surface? I don't want to gouge the head.

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

You could also use a plastic ice scraper for the big stuff, and carb cleaner, razor blade, and scotchbrite pads for the rest.

GuitsBoy

iTrader: (4)

Plastic ice scraper, followed by a plastic sponge and some acetone will make short work. I prepped my heads using a machinest's stone to get rid of the marks from milling the heads down.