Identify Heads
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 4
From: Keego Harbor MI
Identify Heads
Hello, I am getting things ready to do a tune up on 86 coupe I just bought. I don't have any owners manual or paperwork with car. How do I find out what type of heads are on it. (cast iron or aluminum) Thanks for the help
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
The EASIEST way with out looking for numbers or this and that is to take a magnet and place it on the head. If it sticks, then you have iron heads. If it does not then they are aluminum.
If they are aluminum, be sure to use a anti-seize on anything that you screw into the head......spark plugs, bolts, sensors......anything. If you don't, then you stand about a 90% chance of having the threads seize in the aluminum....then your screwed.
Welcome to the Corvette addiction and insanity. Good luck on your car.
If they are aluminum, be sure to use a anti-seize on anything that you screw into the head......spark plugs, bolts, sensors......anything. If you don't, then you stand about a 90% chance of having the threads seize in the aluminum....then your screwed.
Welcome to the Corvette addiction and insanity. Good luck on your car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
Good luck with your new toy!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
There are after market aluminum heads with perimeter bolts, depends on the make and year of the heads. You just can't depend 100% on the position of the valve cover bolt holes. The only 100% positive way is with a magnet.
