Over my head

[LEB Paul]

woo wooooo !

 

[LEB Ben]

Before spending a nickel on 1975/79 351M/400 heads, have them MAGNAFLUXED first.

These heads were very prone to cracking...which usually occured after the vehicles were out of Warranty (2 years/24,000 miles back then).

The cost to the customers to replace both heads, gaskets and etc and the labor added up to $700.00, which was a lotta money back then.

Thanks Bill.

Too bad you weren't closer Ben, I have all those specialty tools and experience changing valve seals with heads on.

I'm not so much worried about doing the work, I think I can handle it. I've had the heads off a couple times. I was more worried about creating more work for myself while doing the cam swap. But it looks like enough good enough was offered so I feel relatively confident nothing will go awry. Although I do need to get my hands on a spring compressor again. Thanks for the offer though Dennis, any time you're down this way and feel like tinkering on a rig...my garage is your garage.

woo wooooo !

Hi Paul.





Question...this is probably where I should paid a little more attention when my buddy helped me with the heads, when it comes to spring compressors, I know there are a few different variations and some work better for different situations. Is there one or a style anyone would suggest using with the head still on the block?

 

[hollenjoe]

Yeah, I have and use this one, Its hard to find it online or at least for me

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Overhead-Valve-Compressor-Autocraft_9019987-P_N3491_T|GRP2083____

 

[LEB Ben]

Yeah, I have and use this one, Its hard to find it online or at least for me

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Overhead-Valve-Compressor-Autocraft_9019987-P_N3491_T|GRP2083____

Thanks Joe...is that used kinda like a balancer/steeruing wheel puller?

 

[hollenjoe]

Yeah you could say so, Its easy to use, once you have it infront of a spring you will know how to use it

 

[money_pit]

Don't forget you will need to check lifter preload. Most all aftermarket cams have a different base circle making for a different push rod length or at least shimming the rocker stand a little.

 

[LEB Ben]

Don't forget you will need to check lifter preload. Most all aftermarket cams have a different base circle making for a different push rod length or at least shimming the rocker stand a little.

I believe TMI said the DEH 255 is all plug and play, just take the old stuff out and put the new stuff in. But thanks for the tip.

 

[hollenjoe]

Yep it is, the different ones are the extreme energy ones that have a smaller base circle to allow more lift...

 

[money_pit]

You will need to check the new springs installed height. You may need to shim them. In extreme cases you might need to get the heads machined for spring seat cups to get them in at the right height.