Procomp heads: Can of Worms?

[dbfarr]

What is the deal with these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...270084903825QQihZ017QQitemZ270084903825QQrdZ1

Not that I contend they match up with say, Edelbrock, AFR, RHS, or any of the other big names. Still, if you're looking at reworking stock heads, can these be, economically and functionally, a better alternative?

I mean, for 750$, after springs etc., how bad of a deal is it. Especially since a friend of mine had his heads redone, broke several guideplates, bought several sets of springs, took them back and needed more machine work, he is way over 750$ (the valve spring reliefs were not deep enough). He talks about these Procomps all the time. Usually while spitting.

See here:

http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21240

and here:

http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23744

and here:

http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?t=25925

and finally (hopefully) here:

http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?t=26994

All because the machine shop failed to do it right the first time.

I am not trying to scare anyone (although I'm frightened, myself); I just wonder if a trip to the machine shop on these old heads is even worth the trouble anymore. At least as far as performance is concerned.

I am not against American products or labor. I am just against incompetence. Supposing we were to theorize that my friend's issues were due to a breakdown in communication, what's the difference in the end result? The machinist has a responsibility to understand his client's request, he failed. The heads were incorrectly prepared.

Woodsnake (my friend) is after all, a mechanic by trade. Therefore, he made his diagnosis on the assumption that the work he paid for was done correctly. It has been a year since the original head work was done…

Let's face it, not every machinist is a genius or even easy to work with. Getting an old set of heads reworked can be costly, emotionally and fiscally. Why not just bolt a set of these Procomp deals on for a budget build?

 

[dbfarr]

To be fair,

Maybe I should include what a few minutes of research turned up:

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=565955

Seems they are much better if you find them assembled

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=861352

The second guy bought them for 874$ assembled.

Comments? Anyone?

 

[Shakin66]

I just sold my iron gt 40 heads and was researching pretty heavily as to what heads to purchase. After talking and reading about the Pro comps I just cant in good conscience go with a head that has had some problems in the past with incorrect castings and non regulated metal controls......They do come from China after all. The man I bought my 195cc Dart Pro 1s from sells both and he stated he would MUCH rather see me invest in a head that has a reputable company behind them. Please understand I am not slamming as I have never actually laid eyes on them but a few hundered bucks saved on some China made heads seems kinda cheap to me. I do understand the their draw though....Decent #s and VERY cheap.

 

[D.Hearne]

The downside to those Procomp heads are the thinner .400 decks. Edlebrocks and just about all others have thicker .500-.625 decks. With aluminum heads and iron blocks thin decks equals bad problems sealing the gaskets.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Let's face it, not every machinist is a genius or even easy to work with. Getting an old set of heads reworked can be costly, emotionally and fiscally. Why not just bolt a set of these Procomp deals on for a budget build?

Pro Comps seem to be a copy of Pro Topline/RHS heads and a gamble on quality. Porosity and dimensional stability appear to be the most troublesome. Livernois Motorsports had a barnfire sale on Pro Toplines over the last month or so. I would have picked some up, but all they had were 64cc heads.