Constrictor 98TA

First of all, I dont know what valve guides are, so if someone could enlighten me what these do, that would be great.

Secondly, I got off the phone with a place that I'm considering to do my heads, and the guy I spoke to says that alot of LS1 heads need to have the valve guides replace becuase they become loose over time. He says that typically adds about an extra $250 to the head job, and its not that I don't beleive them, its just that in my research on this and the other board, I have never heard of anyone mentioning valve guides.

Anyone have any input on this one?

Constrictor 98TA

ttt...anyone have any feedback on this?

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

What valve guides are:

On a valve you have the face (round part that looks like a dinner plate) and then the stem (rod part that goes up through the head and gets pushed on by the rocker). Where the valve stem passes through the head, that is the valve guide.

About replacing the guides:

Personally I think that’s BS about them getting loose. I just had a set of heads worked over by a local guy who has done engines in the $50,000 and up range (this guy is good!!!!). I asked him about changing the guides and his answer was "I would be glad to do it for you if you just want to throw money away, Christmas is coming up. BUT, if these were my heads, I would put that money somewhere else. If there is not any slop or drag (not worn out) your just wasting money."

Constrictor 98TA

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 2001CamaroGuy:
<strong>Personally I think that’s BS about them getting loose. I just had a set of heads worked over by a local guy who has done engines in the $50,000 and up range (this guy is good!!!!). I asked him about changing the guides and his answer was "I would be glad to do it for you if you just want to throw money away, Christmas is coming up. BUT, if these were my heads, I would put that money somewhere else. If there is not any slop or drag (not worn out) your just wasting money." </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thanks for the info and what you are saying is pretty much what I expected. I've been reading these boards for a long time and I've probably read over 1000 posts about heads, and I've never heard of anyone mention replacing the valve guides. I'm all for replacing something if it really needs it, but Im not going to throw away the money for no good reason.

Thanks for the explanation too! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

SixPak

valve guides usually last a good long time. they can be checked by sliding the valve into the guide and trying to wiggle the valve as you slide it in and out of the guide. do this from both sides of the head to be sure, and keep the valves in their respective order as to where they came from. if you find one that is a 'little wobbley', mic the valve stem. if the stem checks out ok, the guide probably needs to be replaced. some people will still knurl guides for you if you're on a tight budget, but that's just putting off the inevitable imo.
<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

Pro Stock John

iTrader: (34)

Most of our sponsors make that call when they go thru the heads. I have seen some loose guides here and there.

LS1x2

iTrader: (11)

You would need them if GTP did the work. They screwed me over with a set of bad stock guides in some heads I boght from them. Just have the someone else check the clearance before you get them ported.