Tips for tearing down heads?

[72ScampTramp]

I got a set of heads I need to tear down. Do I wanna make or number the valves? Does anything special need done before removing the springs? I also want to have the springs tested but not sure where to take it to for that. Im most likely going to have to cut the guides down for larger cam. And I hear they need cut to run double springs is that correct? I do plan to lap the valves before going back in just want sure if they need to go back in the spot they were in?

 

[cudamark]

I like to lay them all out on a bench in order during disassembly so I can inspect each part and see if there in any related wear or other problem between parts. After the inspection and diagnosis phase, if you're going to regrind them, they all go into one pot for cleaning. If you're going to just lap them, I'd keep them all in order and return each valve to it's original seat. If you're going to do the disassembly yourself (and you have a proper valve spring compressor, right?), tap on each spring retainer with a hammer to get the retainers to release from the keepers. You may need a fine file to take off any burrs around the valve stem grooves before the valve will be able to pass through the guide. Discuss your cam and spring choice with your machine shop so they can machine the head to the needed specs. They should have a spring tester but if you're going to a bigger cam, I'd get new ones.