What do I need to look/lookout for when I buy used heads?

[deadly97snake]

I am starting to look at prices for some used heads. I will probably go with a set of Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Heads or mabey some AFRs. I want to buy used to save a couple bucks but I don't want to get ripped off.

Is there anything I should look for on a set of heads that will tell me if they are bad? Mabey look for cracks or chips in the aluminum?

When i buy these what should they come with? Gaskets? Bolts? Springs? Etc...

Should I look for heads with any kind of machine work or something?

I always see Trick flows on Ebay and i am either gonna buy them from there or from the classifieds. I am such a bargin shopper and if i decide to go with a bigger head in the future I want to get close to what I spent.

Any and all help is appreciated.

 

[mo_dingo]

Ported trick flows or AFR's will probably flow too much, unless you get a nasty cam.

The important thing to look at is:

#1 Obvious cracks, chips, etc. Don't even debate about buying them if there is any damage.

#2 The valve guide seals need to be checked for leaks.

#3 The deck of the head must be perfectly straight.

Might as well remove the entire assembly and have them checked at a machine shop.

I don't think I would risk used heads for my car, seeing as it's my daily driver. I need to be able to depend on the car.

The used ones I see on ebay go for $600-$700. Not that much savings for me to buy used. An intake manifold is a different story. No moving parts.
Scott

 

[deadly97snake]

Might as well remove the entire assembly and have them checked at a machine shop.
The used ones I see on ebay go for $600-$700. Not that much savings for me to buy used.

What do I ask when bring it to a machine shop what do I ask? What should they be looking for? Also what would something like that cost me?

Well since they can go for $600.00 on ebay and the cheapest I've seen them new is around 1K on www.summitracing.com; thats like a 40% savings.

Anything else I should be looking for?

 

[squall9393]

What do I ask when bring it to a machine shop what do I ask? What should they be looking for? Also what would something like that cost me?

Well since they can go for $600.00 on ebay and the cheapest I've seen them new is around 1K on www.summitracing.com; thats like a 40% savings.

Anything else I should be looking for?

The whole valvetrain. Springs the works. It moves get it checked for wear. The inner walls and chamber surfaces too.

 

[Joes95GT]

Ported trick flows or AFR's will probably flow too much, unless you get a nasty cam.

The important thing to look at is:

#1 Obvious cracks, chips, etc. Don't even debate about buying them if there is any damage.

#2 The valve guide seals need to be checked for leaks.

#3 The deck of the head must be perfectly straight.

Might as well remove the entire assembly and have them checked at a machine shop.

I don't think I would risk used heads for my car, seeing as it's my daily driver. I need to be able to depend on the car.

The used ones I see on ebay go for $600-$700. Not that much savings for me to buy used. An intake manifold is a different story. No moving parts.
Scott

Scott touched on things that I was going to say, so I'll just build on what he said.

Ask what the heads came off of. Nitrous motors are a little more dangerous when buying used parts because of how hard nitrous is on everything, especially when lots of it is used.

I wouldn't worry about the condition of the valve seals and springs. As long as the valves are intact and haven't knicked a piston, you'll be fine. I would NEVER EVER use a used spring. When springs are used, they start to lose pressure and when pressure is lost, things start to break. You can buy a good set of valve seals and springs for less than 150 bucks.

I know you've said that this is a budget, but even the springs that come with Edelbrock and AFR heads don't have enough pressure for an aftermarket camshaft, nevermind a used spring.

Joe

 

[mo_dingo]

Scott touched on things that I was going to say, so I'll just build on what he said.

Ask what the heads came off of. Nitrous motors are a little more dangerous when buying used parts because of how hard nitrous is on everything, especially when lots of it is used.

I wouldn't worry about the condition of the valve seals and springs. As long as the valves are intact and haven't knicked a piston, you'll be fine. I would NEVER EVER use a used spring. When springs are used, they start to lose pressure and when pressure is lost, things start to break. You can buy a good set of valve seals and springs for less than 150 bucks.

I know you've said that this is a budget, but even the springs that come with Edelbrock and AFR heads don't have enough pressure for an aftermarket camshaft, nevermind a used spring.

Joe

Good point Joe!

Like he said, after you factor in new springs & seals, your 40% cost savings is diminishing quickly.
Scott

 

[deadly97snake]

You can buy a good set of valve seals and springs for less than 150 bucks.

I know you've said that this is a budget, but even the springs that come with Edelbrock and AFR heads don't have enough pressure for an aftermarket camshaft, nevermind a used spring.

Joe

How about the springs that come on the TFS TW heads?

 

[Joes95GT]

How about the springs that come on the TFS TW heads?

I wouldn't try it...

What kind of cam are you going to use?

Joe

 

[revhead347]

With the exception of a cracked casting, most damage to cylinder heads can be repaired cheaply. I would just look for the basics described.

Kurt

 

[Chythar]

I wouldn't try it...

What kind of cam are you going to use?

Joe

I've been following this thread 'cause I'll be rebuilding my 95 5.0 soon. I haven't found any sort of formula or guideline online for buying valve springs. I'll be using a Steeda #19 on a set of Cobra GT-40 irons with 1.7 roller rockers. What would you advise for a set of valve springs?