what to do about heads...

[hungrymonkey]

I am finally getting of my sloth rear and putting some motors together. But I cannot decide what to do about finding heads for them.

I have a couple of sets of heads with C9 casting numbers. but I do not know of the condition (I would really hate to drop a valve).

so how much does a head job cost? would it be easier to just buy a set of rebuilt heads? I cannot seem to find heads that are bolt on ready. I might go try and hit up some junkyards.

any advice?

 

[jes72mustang]

I am also interested in more information on this topic as this may be in my plan for this coming winter.

 

[D.Hearne]

And these C9 casting heads fit what? A valve job can run anywhere from $100 to several hundred, depending on what they need. New guides, valves, springs,milling, etc all will run up the cost. On the otherhand old heads sometimes still have life in them, take the ones on my 68 Merc's 390, after 34 years and 60,000 miles, they needed nothing but new valve seals.

 

[hungrymonkey]

both the sets of heads I have are for SBF's.

I would really hate to bring a set of heads to the machine shop and end up paying $400 to get them servicable.

I could buy a set of iron aftermarket heads for a little more.

 

[Max Power]

Nobody can tell but your machinist when he sees them. I wouldn't plan on better from a junkyard either.

Best bet is to buy some good condition used from people who have switched to aluminum.