Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

So the push rod on my '86 (with a '79 stock 350) bent. Was going to replace it but noticed the spring was worn on top to the side and one of the studs (pressed in) is worn almost in two.

Trucks been sitting for a while and I'm ready to get it going again. Called a couple of shops and I'm looking between $200 and $300 if there's nothing else wrong with them.

However, my wife said I could buy some news ones, but looking around, seems like there's bare bone for $500 or so. I'm mechanically inclined, but not enough to know what kind of valves to buy, etc.

If I went the buy new route, what should I search for to make sure I get valves, springs, and such?

OR should I just have them rebuilt and press on and save for a crate motor later?

Thanks for any advice...

TNT

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

That 2-300 will become 5-600 in a flash. You can buy some good well-done heads from these guys for 400 a pair.
http://www.aeroheadracing.com/chevrolet-heads/

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

time to swap to vortec heads from craigslist

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Just fix that one and run it till its dead. Shouldn't be to speedy. And if bare heads are $500 in your area then I suggest smoking a bowl of pot before you hand over some cash lol save up for a nice new engine

Sounds like it ran for a while with the bent pushrod
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

If your 350 has cylinder wall ridge I would get a new GM 4 bolt long block.
New GM 350 long block cheaper than many other engines.

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

I agree with rufton. If your going to spend $600.00 plus gaskets on heads and you thing you will need a new motor soon I would save and add another $1200.00 to that $600.00 and get a complete long block from gm. You could not build a short block for the difference.

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Motor only has about 50K on it right now and hopefully will last another 50 or so....guess I'll spend the $200 or so and have them rebuilt then put the extra in savings for a long block later.

Or if I'm lucky, a drop in turn key :D

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

But you gotta wonder this!!
Why did the pushrod bend and what other damage did it do.
I'd yank the head and do some further checking first.

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Geezer, I know what you are saying. I have had the same push rod failer. And after trying to figure out the cause , the only thing I could come up with is the stamped rocker arms that gm makes are not that great. If you happen to get one that has been stamped a little off it could run side ways and break a push rod in time. I did nothing to the head an replaced all rockers with new and only replaced the push rod that was broke. Over 100,000 mile later and no problem. The same thing can happen if you use used rockers on a new rebuild. Just buy new rockers, not that exspensive. It can save some headaches.

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Yeah, I'm hoping there's not anymore damage. Haven't pulled the heads yet. Planned on going back with new rods, rockers, and springs just to be on the safe side.

So what should I expect from a valve job? He talked about checking the valves and replacing any bad ones, cleaning them up, probably grinding, etc., replacing the stud, but not much about the springs...

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Re: Valve job vs. buying new heads
 

Springs aren't hard to find. Is this bent rocker on the front of the engine or back? I've seen people lift engines with a chain and bend pushrods unknowingly
If you put money in one head you may as well do the other so the engine runs even. But all the others work fine I would just fix the one valve and throw her back together or just replace it altogether from another of the same casting
Posted via Mobile Device