Head swap question

[rogus]

I've had a set of modified (screw in studs,guide plates, 2.02/1.6 valves roller rockers) sbc 441 heads sitting in my garage for a couple years (they worked fine before I set them aside). The car I'm want to put them on is my 76 Chevelle which I generally use to run to the store/daily driver kind of thing. They literally have some dust on them. Is there anything I should with them before I install them other than a quick clean?

 

[86LK]

were they rebuilt and then set to the side? or did they come off a running engine?

check for surface rust, maybe lube the valve stem guides 🤔

 

[79 USA 1]

I would suggest a set of valve seals, o-ring or umbrella style while they are off the engine. Gives you a chance to also lube the guides and check for wear.

 

[rogus]

were they rebuilt and then set to the side? or did they come off a running engine?

check for surface rust, maybe lube the valve stem guides 🤔

They came off a running engine. I had run them before, then my brother bought the engine off me. he decided he was going to run vortecs so I bought the heads back off him. just haven't had the time to install them on my current engine (slightly modified 355/rv style camshaft).

 

[rogus]

I would suggest a set of valve seals, o-ring or umbrella style while they are off the engine. Gives you a chance to also lube the guides and check for wear.

ok, thanks. Will check for a shop to get that done. There are just certain things I don't feel comfortable doing myself.

 

[bracketchev1221]

Don't forget the hardened pushrods for the guideplates.

 

[rogus]

Don't forget the hardened pushrods for the guideplates.

Thanks, that did slip my mind.

 

[abbey castro]

Short of a rebuild as suggested by some above, above with seat/guides etc, IMO I would:
1. lap the valves
2. Reassemble with new valve stems and run them.

 

[565bbchevy]

Make sure the valve springs match the cam you're running in the engine you're putting them on

 

[rogus]

Make sure the valve springs match the cam you're running in the engine you're putting them on

flat tappet w/.500 lift. hardened seats.