Checking out new heads

[PRH]

For the most part, when inspecting new assembled heads, most of the stuff you find that isn’t exactly how you’d prefer it to be, is fairly minor.
The types of things that may not ever cause any actual problems.

But every once in a while you come across something that reminds you why checking out new assembled heads is worthwhile.

The numbers are thousandths of an inch....... and that’s the guide clearance for one intake guide.
All the others were .002”.

 

[Rmoore]

For the most part, when inspecting new assembled heads, most of the stuff you find that isn’t exactly how you’d prefer it to be, is fairly minor.
The types of things that may not ever cause any actual problems.

But every once in a while you come across something that reminds you why checking out new assembled heads is worthwhile.

The numbers are thousandths of an inch....... and that’s the guide clearance for one intake guide.
All the others were .002”.

View attachment 1715987766

Show me the end of that dial gauge you are using ! What heads are those ?

 

[toolmanmike]

For the most part, when inspecting new assembled heads, most of the stuff you find that isn’t exactly how you’d prefer it to be, is fairly minor.
The types of things that may not ever cause any actual problems.

But every once in a while you come across something that reminds you why checking out new assembled heads is worthwhile.

The numbers are thousandths of an inch....... and that’s the guide clearance for one intake guide.
All the others were .002”.

View attachment 1715987766

I hate it you really can't trust stuff now days. It's always good to check stuff out.

 

[Just Send It]

I hate it you really can't trust stuff now days. It's always good to check stuff out.

Amen! I think we've all been burned enough over the years to trust but verify.

 

[jos51700]

Seven thousandths on a brand new valve guide? Damn China, you scary.

 

[Rat Bastid]

For the most part, when inspecting new assembled heads, most of the stuff you find that isn’t exactly how you’d prefer it to be, is fairly minor.
The types of things that may not ever cause any actual problems.

But every once in a while you come across something that reminds you why checking out new assembled heads is worthwhile.

The numbers are thousandths of an inch....... and that’s the guide clearance for one intake guide.
All the others were .002”.

View attachment 1715987766

 

[MOPARMAGA]

You can nickname that valve loosey goosey

 

[MOPARMAGA]

Show me the end of that dial gauge you are using ! What heads are those ?

Look like 440 source stealths

 

[Jeremiah (jd)]

I have seen that too since we started to mess woth 440 source heads. PRW makes some +.002 OD guides that come in handy. I can usually move 1 or two by tapping with a light hammer. Not good! That said, you really cannot expect much for $1200 lol

 

[Ironracer]

I have seen that too since we started to mess woth 440 source heads. PRW makes some +.002 OD guides that come in handy. I can usually move 1 or two by tapping with a light hammer. Not good! That said, you really cannot expect much for $1200 lol

No, that ain't good! Loose guides screw up stuff. But not as bad as dropping one! Ouch!

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's what we've all preached for years and years and yet somehow, there are those who refuse to heed the warnings. I wouldn't put any head on any engine that I was not familiar with, even brand new. New doesn't mean good.

 

[Jeremiah (jd)]

It's what we've all preached for years and years and yet somehow, there are those who refuse to heed the warnings. I wouldn't put any head on any engine that I was not familiar with, even brand new. New doesn't mean good.

100% agree. At least pull them down to clean and add a little assy lube etc.

 

[PRH]

New doesn't mean good.

I couldn’t agree more.

The head in question is a Stealth head.
I’ve come across a few issues with them over the years.
It’s really a good idea to have them looked over before installation.

 

[jos51700]

First question: Does anybody make something similar to the stealth heads, but not Made In China Trash?

Second Question: Do we love the Edelbrock small block heads now, or do we still hate them?

 

[pittsburghracer]

For the most part, when inspecting new assembled heads, most of the stuff you find that isn’t exactly how you’d prefer it to be, is fairly minor.
The types of things that may not ever cause any actual problems.

But every once in a while you come across something that reminds you why checking out new assembled heads is worthwhile.

The numbers are thousandths of an inch....... and that’s the guide clearance for one intake guide.
All the others were .002”.

View attachment 1715987766

I have a saying “better a hair loose than a hair tight” but I’ve never seen hairs that thick. Damn!!!

 

[MOPARMAGA]

First question: Does anybody make something similar to the stealth heads, but not Made In China Trash?

Second Question: Do we love the Edelbrock small block heads now, or do we still hate them?

You gotta make your mind up on that, **** gets expensive when buying parts for what other people want or say is better. For aftermarket heads it's a given that they need to be pulled apart and checked out, with exception to the trickflows I own.
They were pulled apart and checked but nothing was incorrect.

 

[Bakerlite]

if you want to play engine builder, then you need all the right tools.

 

[MOPARMAGA]

I couldn’t agree more.

The head in question is a Stealth head.
I’ve come across a few issues with them over the years.
It’s really a good idea to have them looked over before installation.

Massive burrs on the keeper grooves is a little one but erks me.