Buying tips for used aluminum heads?

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Righty Tighty

Righty Tighty

Blame it on the dog
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Hey FABO, can anyone offer up some buying tips for someone looking buy a used set of aluminum heads? As with any set of used heads, I plan to take them to my machine shop and have them go through em, but what are some things I can look for before purchasing them?
 
Look for areas of repair. Like between cylinders, deck surface, etc. evidence of welding will give it away. Have a straight edge with you and make sure the decks and manifold surface are flat. Lay the straight edge across the valve tips also, they should all be the same height. Look for sunk/beat up valve seats.
I’m sure I’ll think of more as soon as I hit “post reply”.
 

Loose or damaged seats, stripped threads, and any grinding in areas that hurts sealing. Crappy gasket matching, epoxy with silver paint over it.
Things outside basic clean up and freshen that the machine shop will do amyways..light mill, knurl or pop in New guides..touch the 45's or entirely new vj...Check the spring pressures..seals... stuff like that.
 
The biggest worry used alum heads is: have they been overheated & gone soft, lost their heat treat? There might be a test for that, not sure.
 
Well, after talking with the seller, these heads were used in a race application and have about 120 passes on them. I think I’ll hold out for new heads.
 
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