Head swap question

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rogus

Master Mechanic
Mar 14, 2020
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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

Royal Smart Person
Jul 23, 2018
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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 🤔
 
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79 USA 1

Royal Smart Person
Sep 2, 2011
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Cheektowaga, New York
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.
 
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rogus

Master Mechanic
Mar 14, 2020
309
84
28
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

Master Mechanic
Mar 14, 2020
309
84
28
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.
 

abbey castro

Royal Smart Person
Oct 31, 2015
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Harker Hts TX
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.
 
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565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
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Michigan
Make sure the valve springs match the cam you're running in the engine you're putting them on
 
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