Build Recommendations

The set I’ve got on my engine were used. But I performed all of the work necessary to them myself….so it basically only cost me the price of the heads and new valve seals. Also, keep in mind, when I bought them New PI heads were still somewhere up into the $2,000 range and not $800 like they are now.

Modular heads aren't famous for warpage, so I wouldn't hold that as my primary concerned. As long as there are no deep nick’s on the head surface itself around the combustion chamber or the water passages, you're probably good to go. Also, unless the heads you pick up (PI or Non PI) have a lot of mileage on them, I doubt they need guides either. A fresh valve job would probably be the biggest expense. A good valve job can run you a couple hundred bucks though, so I would insist on seeing them apart before plunking down any cash. Deep pits in the valve face and signs of leakage around the seat on the head itself are what you’re looking for. Assuming they’re in good shape, a quick relap and a set of new rubber seals (cheap insurance) to them and you're probably good for another 100,000K

Keep in mind though.....If you factor in the cost of a set of used heads at $400, then the cost of the valve job at $200-250.....then seals, reassembly, etc.....you’ll probably only save about $100 over the cost of buying them brand new. In which case you know they’re going to be virgin and they’re not going to have any issues with them.

Also, keep in mind if used is what you decide, you'll want to stick Romeo castings (2001-2004). Earlier PI heads were Windsor based 1999-2000 and require the use of Windsor valve covers as well. So if they're early and don't come with valve covers, factor that into the cost of your swap as well.