Engine Taking My Cylinder Heads To A Machine Shop.

[wmwhite9]

Blew the head gasket on my 1989 GT from driving without coolant (temp gauge not working & coolant leak).

Now I'm about to tear it down, and get some junkyard gt40 heads for $90 for the rebuild. But before I bolt the GT40 heads on I want to take them to a machine shop to be checked over. What should I ask the machine shop to do to the heads to simply have them work well and last long?

I'm on a budget so I also was wondering what components of the valve train usually require replacement and what parts can be reused. I know it depends a lot on inspection, but what are the typical high wear areas of the valve train?
Thanks

 

[jrichker]

Complete valve job and replace ALL the valve springs and spring hardware. The 5.0 Mustang HO engine has a roller camshaft that has a very fast opening and closing rate. It requires valve springs that will be compatible with the camshaft's fast open and close. Fail to replace the springs with the Crane or Comp Cams springs and you will have valve float at high RPMs. The valves will play kissy face with the top of the pistons and ruin your whole week. Crane Cams or Completion Cams will have the springs, sping locks and retainers that you will need for the job.

See http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-'Valve Spring Tech'-0.aspx
OR
http://www.cranecams.com/view.php?s_id=58
and http://www.cranecams.com/userfiles/file/334-343.pdf
You will need the Adobe Acrobat viewer which is also a free download – http://get.adobe.com/reader/

 

[wmwhite9]

Thanks a ton man! Great info!

 

[LILCBRA]

They should check the valve guides and change the valve seals at minimum as well as the aforementioned valve job and spring replacement. And, as if I need to mention it, get a working temperature gauge! A blown head gasket is a good excuse for an upgrade, but not fun when it happens....

 

[stykthyn]

Jrichker nailed it. They will mill the mating surface and clean them up for you. Make sure they add a good spring and new retainers. I think all of that ran me about 250 some 6 years ago, but shop prices will vary. If you have an aftermarket can you are wanting to install give them the specs so they can add the appropriate springs. I think you will be happy with those heads. They aren't going to set the world on fire but if you can swing the whole package for under 400 you will be doing well.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Check this guy out for your valvetrain needs. Price is right an he seems to have really put together some nice packages. Quite a few guys on here have bought from him over the years.

http://www.alexsparts.com/categories/VALVE-SPRING-KITS/

 

[wmwhite9]

Wow that's a great link thanks.

http://www.alexsparts.com/categories/VALVE-SPRING-KITS/

 

[wmwhite9]

And, as if I need to mention it, get a working temperature gauge! A blown head gasket is a good excuse for an upgrade, but not fun when it happens....

Yeah, the sad part is I had bought an aftermarket temp gauge and was too busy to install it.