Heads

[*71SWB*]

I think I got a really good deal on a set of dart heads. I really hate being the non mechanic and buying something I know nothing about. There was an add on craigslist for dart heads that stated they were almost new. The add gave the summit part number of the heads. The listing started at $600 and over a little time went down to $450. I texted the guy and offered him $250 and he said ok. When I went to get them he had to remove them from his motor. He also gave me the aluminum comp rockers, rods, guides ( i think thats what they are called) and all the bolts with the heads. I had them checked and they checked out good. I am having the seals replaced since they have sat for a while with no valve covers on. Not sure that is needed but I figured since they were taken apart and cleaned I might as well.

Did I get a decent deal?

[Lattimer]

Probably as long as they checked out ok at a reputable shop.

Don't re-use those bolts though, always get new ones.

[zeldman]

Just a word of warning. When buying used heads always, always, always get a reputable machine shop to check for cracks first, then pay for the heads after they are checked, as long as thy are good. Get them checked first, always, no exeptions. If the seller wont agree to that then run, do not walk but run away. Does it sound like I have been burned before on used heads?

And yes, it sounds like a very good deal as far as the price goes.

And do not re-use the head bolts.

[bbcmudtruck]

Re-using the head bolts isn't that big of a deal. I've done it many many times without any failure. Its always a good idea to go ahead and upgrade to ARP bolts though. Which Dart heads did you get? Also, dont go cheap on your cylinder head gaskets. Felpro perma seal at a bare minimum! Also, when you go to install your rockers, check the length of the push tubes to make sure they are correct.

[suspect]

What size intake/exhaust valves are they? If they check out with no cracks and have 2.02" intake and 1.60" exhaust valves, then you got a steal. I paid $900 for my darts from summit.
Like said above, get yourself a push rod length checking tool. Summitracing has them for like $20 and will save you a lot of money and heartache. You'll probably need the 6.8-7.8 inch one.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-7702-1/overview/