bare or assembled heads?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Douglas AZ
bare or assembled heads?
I'm rebuilding my l98 and I was looking to get some trick flow heads. Is it better to buy bare heads and then valves/springs separately, or buy the assembled heads? Its looking to be $170 more per head assembled. I want this engine to last a long time. Cam is going to be the 211/219 Lingenfelter.
Last edited by billlopez; Dec 12, 2018 at 01:07 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I doubt an assembled head would have the valves, RRs, springs, retainers that I'd use; if it did I might spring for the preassembled.
When I installed new studs, RRs, springs & TI retainers into my prior '88 cost was ~$500.
Compare the $340 with the cost of you buying all those components separately.
When I installed new studs, RRs, springs & TI retainers into my prior '88 cost was ~$500.
Compare the $340 with the cost of you buying all those components separately.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,282
From: Hartford WI
I had TFS heads before and would never use them again. I had their upgraded hardware and all that but somehow, the guides got worn on one side and not the other. All the valves wobbled in the head on one side. So if I were to ever get their heads, I would have them bare and have the builder put whatever hardware he felt necessary. If it breaks, I go look for him.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Douglas AZ
Well this doesnt sound good. Summit lists made in USA, but maybe they just mean assembled in USA using chinese parts? Is it better to save money and reuse the stock l98 heads for long term reliability?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,282
From: Hartford WI
I do not believe where it is made matters as much as the QC. Also, I'd get it from a builder as part of the package. I had an LPE short block mated to TFS heads. When it got trashed, LPE did not stand behind the heads, nor should they. They installed it not sold it. I ate the short block costs. But on the plus side, I saved a few hundred bucks over the LPE ones. Real bargain.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Trick FLow is making some real decent stuff these days. Its always good to double ck but bet they are just fine. I dont see them using horribly cheap parts on their heads.
They are a vendor here maybe they will pop in.
They are a vendor here maybe they will pop in.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: near the thumb in the mitten
To correctly do "valve job", check CCs , or mill to equalize CCs you need valves. The cam requires a particular spring or rate of spring. Mail order you have to know the QA is in place. Valve and spring heights are correct. CCs and valve is seating correctly. Lastly it's all assembled correctly. I would work with a local qualified shop if possible. In some case local canbe several hundred miles away depending on the situation. ( you are trying to be secretive).
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,430
Likes: 3,282
From: Hartford WI
I doubt an assembled head would have the valves, RRs, springs, retainers that I'd use; if it did I might spring for the preassembled.
When I installed new studs, RRs, springs & TI retainers into my prior '88 cost was ~$500.
Compare the $340 with the cost of you buying all those components separately.
When I installed new studs, RRs, springs & TI retainers into my prior '88 cost was ~$500.
Compare the $340 with the cost of you buying all those components separately.
He may be better off getting it all from one place so he can have someone stand behind the lot as opposed to nobody being responsible for anything.