Do I need to mill my heads?
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: McChord AFB WA
Do I need to mill/clean up my heads? It's a little late to be asking this question since the heads are already on my car however, I've been wondering since I've installed them. I bought my heads used and near one of the combustion chambers on the flat side of the head, there was multiple oval markings in the head. It almost looked as though the valve had been smashed into the head by the piston. Of course, being nieve, I installed them not really thinking twice about the marks. But lately I've been thinking and I'm not sure if they need to be milled. The heads are unmilled at the present time. If I need to pull them again I will. Does anyone know what a fair price would be to have the heads milled? Then agian, this is Washington state, I'll probably get raped on the price around here. I remember when I first started modifying my car, I called a local speed shop for ***** & giggles to see how much a cam swap was and they quoted $1300.00 I was like holy ****!!!
Thanks for any advice,
Nate
Thanks for any advice,
Nate
Last edited by Hellion; Jan 25, 2004 at 10:00 PM.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 834
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From: Marysville, OH
If you are getting a good seal around the head gasket and have had no problems b/c of the heads I see no reason to mill them. You might take them and have them cleaned up a bit (very small mill) but milling the heads screws with the PR lengths and if your setup runs fine why change it.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 445
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From: McChord AFB WA
Thanks 
I just had to ask this question because I will be installing an X2 cam come the end of February or the beginning of March. I knew that if I had to mill my heads it might pose a problem for P/V clearance, and then I would have had to alter my pistons... I haven't had any problems with my heads, actually I'm very pleased with them; I just can't wait to take advantage of them with LG's cam.
Again thanks,
Nate
I just had to ask this question because I will be installing an X2 cam come the end of February or the beginning of March. I knew that if I had to mill my heads it might pose a problem for P/V clearance, and then I would have had to alter my pistons... I haven't had any problems with my heads, actually I'm very pleased with them; I just can't wait to take advantage of them with LG's cam.
Again thanks,
Nate
"It almost looked as though the valve had been smashed into the head by the piston."
You indicated the head sealing surface but in this sentence refer to the valve hitting the piston. Not sure exactly where the damage is but apparently the sealing surface?
If only the head gasket sealing surface is damage I would run a leak down test. If it seals then it should be fine.
You indicated the head sealing surface but in this sentence refer to the valve hitting the piston. Not sure exactly where the damage is but apparently the sealing surface?
If only the head gasket sealing surface is damage I would run a leak down test. If it seals then it should be fine.
