Advise on new heads
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Advise on new heads
My valve seals are work and new valve heads are looking cheaper to buy then rebuild my stock ones.
Anyone have any advise or can give me a specific heads that would fit my 74 corvette l82 ?
I'm looking kinda mid range pricing maybe between 4 700
Any thoughts on what I should get that would get me a bit more performance and reliability ??
Anyone have any advise or can give me a specific heads that would fit my 74 corvette l82 ?
I'm looking kinda mid range pricing maybe between 4 700
Any thoughts on what I should get that would get me a bit more performance and reliability ??
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 13
From: Kingman AZ
heads
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_..._estreet.shtml And 74 no smog in CA an l-82 will
Last edited by rayluka; Jul 29, 2013 at 04:08 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
redwhitkat:
A head swap is a time consuming job that requires a moderate amount of engine know how. You will be taking the ENTIRE top side of the engine off, leaving nothing but the block and crank. While some here will say its an easy job, Im guessing that you are a novice so heres my honest advice. Learn more about your car and maybe take it to a shop for a better diagnosis. Dont even consider doing a head swap until you are FULLY ready, informed and have some serious wrench turning experience. A botched head job will cost you a few thousand dollars if not totally ruin your engine. Sorry to be such a downer, Im just trying to level with you.
A head swap is a time consuming job that requires a moderate amount of engine know how. You will be taking the ENTIRE top side of the engine off, leaving nothing but the block and crank. While some here will say its an easy job, Im guessing that you are a novice so heres my honest advice. Learn more about your car and maybe take it to a shop for a better diagnosis. Dont even consider doing a head swap until you are FULLY ready, informed and have some serious wrench turning experience. A botched head job will cost you a few thousand dollars if not totally ruin your engine. Sorry to be such a downer, Im just trying to level with you.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
At a bare minimum you will have to: Drain all the coolant, pull all the spark plugs, plug wires and distributor out. Remove the intake manifold. Remove the heads. (which will be a challenge in and of itself if the engine is still in the car)
Once the heads are on you will need to adjust the valves and adjust the timing, both of which can be troublesome for a beginner. As I said, replacing heads requires that you remove about 75% of the engine. Also....how many miles on the engine? New heads installed on old piston rings can cause problems. There are just too many variables here. Where are you located? Lots of knowledgeable folks here that may be able to take a look in person and help you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
you will have to adjust the guide plates and measure for new push rods,get either of those wrong and you will be doing more work in the future. get a competent mechanic who works on high performance and or race cars. i doubt the 20 year old from tech school is capable ,generally they are parts changers.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
If you have new positive guide seals and it's still burning oil, sounds more like rings or possible intake gasket leak to me...they should have picked up on loose guides when they replaced the seals, too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
do you have "car buddies" that play with motors and such? Buy them some beer and start talking. I would guess they will help you out. If you do not, then go to a car show and make some new friends... You need car buddies. It is great to learn, but do not try and learn alone. it is better with help. we all ask for it from time to time.... Guys are happy to help if you are willing to get in and learn. if you just want someone to fix it for you then find a shop and write a check. By the way,,, rebuild the motor and stroke it. you will be happy!