junkyard parts

[68RustBucket]

has anyone here found any useable smallblock heads at a junkyard that they cleaned, ported and/or polished?

i've been doing research on how far i can push my 289 heads without spending as much as i would to buy new ones, and i just ran across the idea of looking for some gt-40's or 351 heads at my local junkyard. i'd like to learn how to port some myself, so even if i can't find those exact heads, i want something to learn from.

if anyone has experience with anything like this, please tell me so i don't go wasting my time rummaging through a ton of beat up fords looking for something that ain't there

 

[SuperDave]

Around here, "junkyards" are only located in remote and isolated areas. The chances of finding what you want are slim, especially GT-40's. If you find a set of heads, a valve job should precede any modifications. If you value your time, new heads may be cost-effective.

 

[68RustBucket]

fortunately, time isn't a huge factor for me at all. this project would be mainly for learning purposes, and if things go right, i could have a nice worked set of heads to use.

 

[SuperDave]

fortunately, time isn't a huge factor for me at all. this project would be mainly for learning purposes, and if things go right, i could have a nice worked set of heads to use.

A set of used heads should certainly be checked out by a knowledgeable machinist. No sense reworking a head that is cracked or warpped. Not uncommon on the junkyard" scene. Often a machine shop can set you up with a good set of used heads.

 

[StangDreamin']

fortunately, time isn't a huge factor for me at all. this project would be mainly for learning purposes, and if things go right, i could have a nice worked set of heads to use.

Agreeing with Super, I think you should "split this idea apart". Find some junkyard heads with which to learn/practice your porting skills - if you manage to "port" yourself into a water jacket or the adoining chamber, no big loss! Once you've gotten things down in your mind; for the "nice set worked set of heads to use", go looking for a known good set to start with.

Since I'm known to make the dumbest mistakes when learning something; this would be the path I'd take


Still Dreamin'

 

[1320stang]

Here's a DIY porting guide from Standard Abrasives.

http://www.sa-motorsports.com/portdiy/diyport.pdf

 

[351LX]

We have some pretty good wrecking yards around here but the best you might find are some E7TE heads.I saw a 69 Ford with a 351w once but the motor was gone the next day.I found some Cleveland 2 bbl heads that had been recently rebuilt and only cost me $40 so there are deals out there.Look for vehicles that have been totalled off, not ones that have been turned in for wrecking as they have usually been driven into the ground.Easiest way to find a good set is to look for mis-matched paint between the heads and block or look for new head gaskets.Once they are off look down the ports to see if the back of the valves are oily as that will give you a general idea as to the condition of the seals and guides.

 

[SuperDave]

We have some pretty good wrecking yards around here but the best you might find are some E7TE heads.I saw a 69 Ford with a 351w once but the motor was gone the next day.I found some Cleveland 2 bbl heads that had been recently rebuilt and only cost me $40 so there are deals out there.Look for vehicles that have been totalled off, not ones that have been turned in for wrecking as they have usually been driven into the ground.Easiest way to find a good set is to look for mis-matched paint between the heads and block or look for new head gaskets.Once they are off look down the ports to see if the back of the valves are oily as that will give you a general idea as to the condition of the seals and guides.

I note with interest that you call them "wrecking yards" and not "junkyards" which is a step in the right direction, There is a perception that a "junkyard" is run by a "hayseed" type that is so dumb that you have to help him find his posterior. In my experience, those days are long gone and, if I may, for good reason.

I would deal with an established respectable "automobile recycler" who knows his business. You can save MUCH time, frustration and money by doing so.

 

[Lswhat]

oh yeah u can find them in the back of trucks to thats where i found my 87 roler in the back of a van at the cost of $100. and the whole motor was there except the fulie intake.

 

[SuperDave]

oh yeah u can find them in the back of trucks to thats where i found my 87 roler in the back of a van at the cost of $100. and the whole motor was there except the fulie intake.

That's fine if you know what you are looking for, recognized it and don't mind spending time finding it. Wouldn't you consider such a "score" somewhat unusual?

 

[Lswhat]

axctually my dad has been dealing with this junkyard for 20 yrs and he does get good deals on everything so yeah i guess so. and yeah it does help if u know what u are looking for and know how to decode stuff.

 

[SuperDave]

SEE! "Father knows Best"!

 

[351LX]

The wrecking yard I go to the most almost completely self serve and everything is a set price so you know what you are paying before you go in.Any rear end is $60 without the brake drums,any pair of V-8 heads are $40,any carbed motor is $150 and any fuel injected one is $175.Those are the Canadian prices.It works good as long as you know what you need.They seem to survive on volume rather than prices as every week they put out 20-30 new cars.The cars are set out on racks so they are a foot or so off the ground and organized into either a GM,Ford,Chyrsler,import or truck section.It's a long way from the days of lying in the mud under some car supported by a rim.

 

[Lswhat]

i wish theyed do that down here