Heads and machine shop

[Moneypit]

So, I was changing the oil on the 68 yesterday and noticed some water in the oil. My heads have been needing some work done anyway(lifter tick and bad valve guides) so I figure this is as good as time as any to take them to the machine shop.

My question is other than the valve guides, what other work should I ask the machine shop to do? I have never had a set of heads worked on and I am not looking for performance heads. I just want them to work properly and be in good condition. I am also hoping to stay under $350 for work done. Any suggestions?

[poorboy]

Just take the heads to a shop with a good rep. They will tell you exactly what you need.

[qksilver]

I would look for some aftermarket stock replacements. I don't think that yours have hardened exhaust valve seats. By the time you have them redone right it ends up being 400 to 500. Look in the back of car craft or auto mags and see arrow heads, they sell complete heads for around 350 a pair.
That is unless you have a rare engine or are trying to keep it stock.

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by qksilver

I would look for some aftermarket stock replacements. I don't think that yours have hardened exhaust valve seats. By the time you have them redone right it ends up being 400 to 500. Look in the back of car craft or auto mags and see arrow heads, they sell complete heads for around 350 a pair.
That is unless you have a rare engine or are trying to keep it stock.

I agree. I would try to get another pair already put together. IMHO if you take them to a machine shop and you don't personally know the machinest you'll be looking at $500 minimum.

I think Jegs or Summit has some stock replacement heads for pretty close to what you want to spend.

[Moneypit]

Originally Posted by qksilver

I would look for some aftermarket stock replacements. I don't think that yours have hardened exhaust valve seats. By the time you have them redone right it ends up being 400 to 500. Look in the back of car craft or auto mags and see arrow heads, they sell complete heads for around 350 a pair.
That is unless you have a rare engine or are trying to keep it stock.

Thanks for the advice guys. I will check into it. No I don't have a rare engine, just a stock 307, but I am trying to keep it stock-ish(doubt that's a word but I couldn't think of anything closer, lol). Basically, I don't want anyone to be able to look at my truck and say "Hey that's not original." unless it can be undone in a weekend without any evidence of it ever being there, i.e. a sound system. Does that make sense? If not, please forgive me, I have been popping antihistamines like candy(dang cold) and am a bit cloudy at the moment.

I do have a friend who has a friend that owns a machine shop. When I talked to him a few years ago he offered to take them in for me and get a discount. I don't know if that is still an option as I haven't talked to him recently but I guess I can bark up that tree this weekend. Once again, thanks guys.

[Americanrider]

Most of the good shops around here have sets of heads already done and waiting on a shelf. Hard seats included they are $250 with $100 core for SBC.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

heres the way to do it in this order. have your shop gut the heads, hot tank them, magniflux them to check for cracks, if no cracks are found, surface the combustion chamber side , do valve job , install all new valve guides, valves, springs & valve guide seals. now you done it right...... chevy s.b. heads are notorious for cracking......

[smitty62]

Suspect you need to look for a matched pair of heads-you very likely have a cracked head--not worth fooling with. 307 heads are everywhere.

[bobthecop]

How many miles on engine?? I have seen bottom end blowouts from just doing the heads, everything wears together, and should be updated together. I used to work at a dealership, writing service and I would always recommend new bearings for cam and crank when replacing or rebuilding the heads from mileage wear.

[mudpuppie]

got a set of heads from a local shop that someone didnt pick up . less the depsoit they made when they dropped them off . 305 heads should work good on my old 283.

[CMars45000]

Originally Posted by bryanw1968

I agree. I would try to get another pair already put together. IMHO if you take them to a machine shop and you don't personally know the machinest you'll be looking at $500 minimum.

I think Jegs or Summit has some stock replacement heads for pretty close to what you want to spend.

JEEZ...I am glad I dont live where you do...The Machine shops around here are WAY CHEAPER

When I re-did my 454 heads on my BBC, it was $319.39!!

That was to disassemble and clean the heads, shave the head .025" install new guides, new seats, cut the valves, check all the spring and put back together with new retainers and locks and shims..

But I do agree that it is easy to find good CHEAP SBC heads....I picked up a pair of camel hump heads with hardend seats and new valves for $50

[Moneypit]

Originally Posted by bobthecop

How many miles on engine?? I have seen bottom end blowouts from just doing the heads, everything wears together, and should be updated together. I used to work at a dealership, writing service and I would always recommend new bearings for cam and crank when replacing or rebuilding the heads from mileage wear.

I have no idea how many miles are on the engine itself. I do know that the rotating assembly was rebuilt less than 20k miles ago. I did it myself after I lent my brother the truck and he didn't watch the oil gauge. Thanks for all the advice guys I update you when I find out more.