Building the head
 

So my car is burning a lot of oil and I have come to the conclusion (after lots of reading) that it's my valve seals. So I'm going to have to rip apart my head and replace some parts. My question for you guys is what should I swap out while the head is apart. I'm planning on doing ARP studs, 272/272s, valve seals, head gasket, water pump, oil pump, and timeing belt. Is there anything eles I should do?

Re: Building the head
 

If you are messing with the timing components and oil pump. You might as well plan to eliminate the balance shaft.

Re: Building the head
 

Good idea, I havn't thought about that. Thanks I'll put that on my list.

Re: Building the head
 

Having a valve job done wouldnt be a bad idea either.

Re: Building the head
 

back cut valves flow better if you wnt to get some of those, how about better springs/retainers

Re: Building the head
 

I also say get some new springs and retainers in there. I know a lot of people have done just fine with 272's and stock springs, but I personally didn't feel the need to risk it, and got some crowers put in there.

Re: Building the head
 

Yeah, definately do a valve job and I also recommend some stiffer springs.

Re: Building the head
 

new springs n retainers mean yo ucan rev higher I don't know what your future plans are or upgrades are, but it will be needed later on in the car's life if you plan on going big, with a laggier turbo. That's the stage I am at right now.

-A. Swift

Re: Building the head
 

i would have the machinist look at the valve guides for cracks, worn, measurements to spec, warped...etc... might as well your in that area.
also a resurface should do plenty too.

later.

Re: Building the head
 

Is it ususally cheaper to buy a built head or to build one yourself?

Re: Building the head
 

I'm looking build up a head with the following parts. I'm trying to get a rough estimate on how much everything will cost. If your board please help me price this stuff out. Thanks!

272/272 cams $450
ARP studs $125
valve stems
valve seals
all new gaskets
water pump
oil pump timing belt
valve job
springs retainers
lifters eliminate balance shafts

Re: Building the head
 

Shit, my bad mods, didnt realize I double posted.

Re: Building the head
 

Buying them is usually way cheaper than building them. I know a guy (kjewer1 on AF, tuners, and a couple other forums) that ran his 272's to 8500 on stock 6 bolt springs/retainers for years. Never had one problem. Also, I read that crower non dual springs are a mere 3% stiffer than stockers, why even bother? Just my 2 cents.

Also, I would suggest FP2's/Comp 101200's instead of the FP2's. Pretty comparable grind, but way cheaper. You should be able to get them new on eBay for like $380, just dont buy from hptrucks.

I think my top end gasket kit was liek $70 with shipping and it had the valve seals. If by "valve stems" you meant the whole valve itself, you can get a full stock set from SBR for $100 + the set $8 shipping. 3rd gen revised lifters are like $100 on eBay IIRC. I think timing belts are like $50 and B/S elim kits are like $40 from SBR. I dont know what valve jobs, oil pumps, or water pumps would cost.

Re: Building the head
 

Thanks a ton Thor! I'll donate for that! haha

272/272 cams $400
ARP studs $125
valve stems $108
valve seals
all new gaskets $70
water pump
oil pump
timing belt $50
valve job
springs
retainers
lifters $100
eliminate balance shafts $40