HELP!!! I need questions answered about AFR 165 heads (Doing install now!)

Greetings!!

I'm in the process of installing my AFR heads that came in the mail today.

AFR 165 58cc stud mount heads 1.6RR's FTI cam
Stock bottom end 94 GT.

I noticed prior to this that at TDC, the pistons stick out ever so slightly from the deck.

Anyways, I was in the process of claying to check for Piston to Valve Clearance by putting 4 head bolts around #1, no gasket (was going to add the compressed thickness to the figure I got), and clay on the reliefs, solid lifters etc....

Well I went to turn things over and the piston stopped turning, this (of course) freaked me out so I took the head off and the interference was the piston hitting the head!!!????

I don't believe that the valve was hitting the piston since the clay hadn't been broken through anywhere. The compressed thickness is .045 or so (I have the figure at work). Am I to believe that the piston to head clearance is that small? I've never run into this before, someone please shed some light on this for me before I go nuts!!

Thanks!

I was pretty sure that the shortblock was a factory one. The pistons have a little relief at the top and bottom for valves. I've had the car for 60,000 miles of the 110,000 and assumed it to be factory considering it came to me completely stock down to the air silencer... The car did have the stock heads on it and would turn over fine with them on the block, although I did notice a VERY small circle cut into the heads (We're talking barely detectible) Maybe that minimum amount made up for the pistons coming out da block....

I take it that you were able to check Piston to Valve clearance w/o using a gasket then?

I'll check with a feeler gauge after work today.

EDIT: I know that they stick out slightly since when I was degreeing the cam, I had the magnetic base of the dial indicator sticking lightly over the edge of the cylinder, when I came to TDC, the whole base shifted as a result of being bumped by the piston.

BTW: Thanks for answering my post Killer!! Your car is actually my inspiration for this whole process. I appreciate the help.

Spoke to Ed, he doesn't seem worried. He told me to get a cheapo HG and do the PTV check then. I also talked with someone that said its a hit or miss with our engines, I guess some do and some don't. Maybe my block was decked or isn't factory. Are there any visible casting marks that I can look for to identify it?

I'll re-check tonight with a head gasket in place and re-post to let you know.

Worked out fine with a tester gasket. Torqued them down today. Now I just have to figure out why the longtubes don't fit properly (most likely worn motor mounts)

Thanks!

Killercanary said:

That's good to hear Dale. There are certain production tolerances that can lead to things like this. As for the motor mounts, I have the energy suspension motor and tranny mounts in mine, they are nice pieces and I don't have a bad thing to say about them.

Now get the damn thing together and start living up to your username, I want to see another fast NA 94-95GT on here!!!

Click to expand...

Yeah, I know. Been using forums under this name forever running mid to low 14's

How hard are the motor mounts to install? (I've never installed a set) is there a way to jack up the motor or will I need a hoist?

I'm thinking that the motor mounts are bad since my longtubes are rubbing against the AC line in the engine compartment. I just hope that is what the problem is. Also, the flange is hitting the floor so I'm hoping that the motor mounts will correct the path the headers need to follow and get them to fit.

Did you get the package deal from summit? They want $149, does that sound about right?

Thanks again! I'll have er runnin soon.