I'm going to try and check out a set of 350 heads this weekend: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/d/fairfield-buick-350-cylinder-heads/6980301414.html The pictures look nice but what can I do to visually inspect them in person? Should I bring any type of measurement tools? The seller does not know how much they were decked by but I'm worried about intake misalignment is they were decked a lot. I was planning to have my heads rebuilt but if I can talk him down a little this might be easier and save a little $$. What do you guys think?
Really only can tell by cc'ing the chambers. Ask if he had them magnafluxxed before the work was done. They may have cracks.
I will ask him! Hopefully his word is good. Let's see I do have a valve spring compressor, just have to dig it up! Would I be looking for wear on the spring seat? Or should I try to remove a valve or two to inspect the guides?
Guy tells me they were magnafluxed and all work was done by this shop: https://www.yelp.com/biz/quality-cylinder-heads-pacheco Not sure if that really sheds light on anything but I asked if he had a job number so I could call them and ask for specs. He also said valves should be stock sized.
When you pop retainers, Grab the valve and wiggle it. The stem clearance should be tight if new guides were installed, or knurled, (which is a cheapee fix). Like .0013 intake, .0017 exh. clearance. Looks like stock valves, maybe springs also. Nothing special going on with those heads except they are clean, maybe cleanup cut & painted.
Big difference on that word rebuilt.. 250$ -- 650$ Most customers only want the 250 refresh.. They dont want to pay for the hardend seats, guides, mild porting.. Your better off finding a good machinist than you can talk to about what is all involved.
alittle pricy. Does he have receipts? Exhaust valves look kinda sunk. Put a straight edge across valve stem tips . Should not be uneven
Alright guys you've pretty much convinced me that used heads are just too much of a gamble. I just going to take my set to a machine shop as planned!