Replace just heads on my 94?

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Oct 1, 2017 | 10:11 AM

Ruger72

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Joined: May 2017

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From: Temecula CA

Replace just heads on my 94?

My 94 has 110,000 miles on it. Runs great and is completely stock with a Magna Flow exhaust. I have done the Opti, water pump, plug wires, injectors, O2 sensors, timing chain. I have read on how the bottom end of the LT1 is strong and shows minimal wear when guys take them apart. I was thinking of maybe pulling the heads on my car and putting on a set of heads that have been rebuilt with a little port/polish from Lloyd Elliot at Elliot Port Works. Is this an ok thing to do? Will doing this put strain on the rest of the engine/bottom end. Any input/knowledge will be greatly appreciated. Love this Forum!

Oct 1, 2017 | 10:15 AM

81c3

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Communist Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruger72

Have you had a compression test performed? If it were mine, I would have that done, or do it myself... then you will know for sure how healthy the lower 1/2 is. I would think you wont have an issue, but for piece of mind, a compression test is a good idea in my opinion.

Oct 2, 2017 | 01:30 PM

cv67

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

it wont hurt the bottom end thats a myth
what happens is guys put heads on old bottom ends drive them hard then blammo..blame it on the wrong head lol

Id have them checked before porting to make sure your guides are ok. Start replacing those, valve jobs springs it can add up to what a new, better head costs. Seen this too many times.

Oct 2, 2017 | 01:36 PM

vette196

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2015

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From: Park Ridge New Jersey

I just had the LE2 package done and had the intake ported (save your money, stay with a stock throttle body)....but it still needs to be installed

Oct 2, 2017 | 04:20 PM

Ruger72

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Instructor

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 102

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From: Temecula CA

Thank you guys for the input. I plan on having a compression test done in a couple of weeks. Then I will see what I decide to do. If the compression is good and my mechanic feels good about it I will then look at having my heads done. Again, I was just thinking of having them re-built with new springs, valves, seats, and maybe a minor port/polish done.

Oct 2, 2017 | 09:13 PM

Iexpedite

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Joined: Jul 2017

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruger72

How minor? I think I would open them up quite a bit. Especially if you are going to go through the expense of paying someone to install and shipping and all that. You're gonna lose some port velocity at this point but they will be ready if you decide to take things further in the future. You do you, but I wouldn't stop at a minor port and polish.

Oct 3, 2017 | 02:27 PM

DGXR

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2013

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From: Sacramento California

If all you are doing is the heads, a healthy LT1 bottom end will handle it fine. Lots of people install cams, heads, headers, injectors, etc. and drive them hard, typically without issues.

Do you know your car's service history?

Oct 3, 2017 | 08:40 PM

aklim

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Hartford WI

I'd do a leakdown test to make sure that the pistons are good. If that works, how far do you want to go? Maybe a cam, headers and a dyno tune? I don't think you have to do much but I'd get the injectors serviced so you have a clean slate and not varnish on the pintles.