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How long to do head work?

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Old Feb 4, 2002 | 04:47 PM
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Lou98SS's Avatar
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Default How long to do head work?

OK my question is this. How long does it take for a shop to complete a set of heads starting from scratch? That is if they are starting from a set of standard LS1-type core heads and are doing the porting, valve job, valves, springs, etc. until they are complete and ready to bolt on. And I'm assuming a shop that does this as a normal part of their business, not one that doesn't normally do this type of work.

Thanks for the help.
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Old Feb 4, 2002 | 04:56 PM
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ToplessTexan's Avatar
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Default Re: How long to do head work?

Any CNC work or completely by hand?
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Old Feb 4, 2002 | 05:05 PM
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Default Re: How long to do head work?

Let's say hand porting...
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Old Feb 4, 2002 | 11:23 PM
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Joe Prince's Avatar
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Default Re: How long to do head work?

Well, it's quite possible that I am on the slow side when it come to hand porting, but I put in no less than 25 - 30 hours of work into each set of heads.
1. clean and inspect when recieved.
2. pressure test.
3. measure decks "as is" before work is started
4. cut seats and valves to be used
5. port 16 bowls/runners
6. flow bench and develop each runner during the porting process.
7. de-burr and polish each combustion chamber.
8. Mill deck surface to exacting specs for desired compression level.
9. install valve seals/guids and measure each spring for install height set-up and install retainers and locks.
10. clean once again and ship!

As you can see, porting by hand is kind of a pain BUT is more accurate than straight CNC IMHO.
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Old Feb 5, 2002 | 07:13 AM
  #5  
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Default Re: How long to do head work?

Hey thanks Joe, that was great information.
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Old Feb 5, 2002 | 07:31 AM
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Default Re: How long to do head work?

I have been told around 40 hours in a set of LS1/LS6 heads that have the larger seats for 2.055/1.60 valves.
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