I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

I'm planning on buying a set of stock heads. What all can I do to them to improve flow without risking losing too much velocity? I want to get them machined for 978 springs. Will a valve job help? Could I safely take these heads to an old school guy to get a valve job and just minor work (blending, port matching)? Any tips in this area? Thanks a lot!

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

Neh, not much to gain there,,,,use them as cores and get them CNC ported,,,

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

I don't have the money for that, and I need them machined for bigger springs and get them on ASAP. Surely there is something to be gained there. Anyone?

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

....just go with the heads that are currently bolted to your engine and install a new cam ....most replacement valve springs do not require machining ...try 918s or REV doubles...

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

I have 918 springs on my heads now with my 227 cam. My cam has .599" lift and I don't trust the 918s not to break.

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

yeh, that is why i used REV doubles... that is a big-lift cam!!!

i have a set of old LS1 heads too; not sure what to do with them - maybe I'll do a stroker and sell the long block as a unit...

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

I guess I am just gonna get a valve job, and I'll try to clean up the ports and a little polishing work on my own. Do I need to disassemble the heads before I do this work? Should I disassemble them before I get the spring pockets opened up?

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

If money is tight and you have the time I think a little home porting/clean-up would be a good idea. I would definitly dissemble them first before the any of the work is done on them and then clean all the metal off very well afterwards with solvent; a parts washer that submerges them would be best.

Re: I'm getting an extra set of heads, what can I do to them?
 

You could always melt them down and make some beer cans....

Seriously, I'm not sure what to do with mine either. My guess is that the ports/chambers are pretty smooth and a self-polishing would not make them flow significantly better.


If you are really interested, contact one of the sponsors who sells ported heads... ..they have flow machines and could tell you if polishing a stock head would have any impact. MY guess - none!

If you are looking for more power from a stock head, have it milled to increase compression...this is cheap and effective...

My LS6 heads are milled .055 and I have no knock.... chambers are 60cc.