So I just got the heads back from the shop and it turns out that the 340 J heads need more work then they are worth in my mind. Some of you guys told me this might happen from the beginning.

So what I am wondering is if you guys know where to buy some cheap, new aluminum heads that will bolt up like factory style heads.

Thank you

 

Check with RHS , they have a good product not sure on cost though

 

Thank you Chryco Psycho

 

Aluminum? For your 10:1 stroker correct? Hm.... I would recommend cast iron unless you changed your kit.

You can use these and buy or piece together a rocker kit to use chevy rockers for a better selection and cheaper price. Or use boneyard magnum rockers too. Use AMC oil thru lifter.

Or you can buy these bare from Comp Products and get valves from Rock Auto, pick a spring for you cam and go.

I did have one of the heads below directly from this seller in my possession to inspect. It was good quality at the time. It is sold as a direct bolt on for magnum conversion. Here is what I discovered. They used a 5/16 valve instead of a 8mm. ( not big deal and it keeps price down). The valve spring is from Pioneer and had 110/305 ish for pressures. Retainer was close to a 2.2L Dodge. I think is was aftermarket.

These are what Hughes Engines sell too. Flow numbers are on their site and were accurate. These will support 500 HP with the 2.02 valve.

I post the link to give you and idea of price point. I don't know how they are to deal with or what quality they currently turn out. This was a couple years ago.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-EQ-LA-IR...1f3329&vxp=mtr

 

I wonder what he considers too much work?

The worst set of heads I got done had new seats, guides, and 4 valves each head along with a hot tanking 3 angle grind and shave total cost was like$350.

Maybe its not the heads but the shop he brought them too that costs too much.

 

Maybe the shop has something against J heads. Find another shop.

 

I will try another shop then, it need new guides,3 angle grind, deck, and about $200 in port work.

He told me it would be between $1000-1200. I would rather just have aluminum heads if I am going to be spending that much.

And I am in the process of ordering my rotating assembly, so I still have a chance to get flat top pistons instead of D shape to up the compression.

I am taking the block up to the shop today to get cleaned and check out. Hopefully all goes well!

 

So he wants to redo the bad guide at $240, is this a bad price to reem and liner them. He said liners are about $4.00 a piece. So like 65 bucks in parts and $175 in labor if I break it down right quick.

I got it down to about $635 dollars for doing the following.
~$240 for new guides
~$175 valve job
~$100 in bowl work
~$100 decking both heads
~$20 to check the volume of one C.C "to get ballpark idea"
Then he said I should use Hydraulic flat tappit cam with adjustable rockers and new push rods.

Does this seem resonable for labor? Then all the extra in parts. I talked to another machine shop and they said about the same price for everything, just the Guide job was $40 cheaper

Im finding out REALLY quick that heads are the most expensive part of an engine lol

 

PK1 usually has good recipes for inexpensive do it yourself heads, but if you don't feel comfortable on your own give Mike a call and compare.

http://www.mrlperformance.com/

 

Price is fair.

Would I spend that money on a non restoration head for a stroker?

 

Thanks guys,

I will give Mike a call in tomorrow afternoon, his shop is just over a hour and 15 minutes away from my house.

And I am a little nervous about doing something to mess up the heads. I would rather be taught how to do it the first time correctly then know for the rest of my builds!