906 heads

[jake]

I can pick these up for less then 200. Good deal? Any suggestions on what to look for when I go see them?

 

[70bigblockdodge]

They look clean have they been redone, they sometimes crack in the siamesed exhaust port.area.

 

[jake]

Supposedly, they were just cleaned up. Came off a 38000 mile car. We shall see. That's for the advice.

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Magnaflux test iz the key word here. A process called Zyglo if you can find some one doing it iz even better.( oil bath, rinse it off, and run it under ah blue light) "no flawz get past that test" BUT THE VALVEZ NEED TO BE OUT FOR EITHER TEST. I've seen cracks in the bridge between the valves, cracked valve guides, cracked rocker shaft pedestals, and as Dave sayz between the exhaust ports too. And the 906s will warp on the mating surface to the block as well. Buying 906s without having them tested first is ah crap shoot. And ah $10 boil out iz not ah test and pretty iz only good for paper weightz, Jer

 

[1978 NYB]

X2 with Jer.

I wouldn't buy any used heads without magnufluxing for cracks. I trust no one.....even if they said it's been tested for cracks. Checking for straightness on the mating surface is something else I would check...might have to mill off a couple of thousandths to get it straight.

 

[tallhair]

How much milling on a B or RB deck will require the intake to be milled or the intake side of the head to be milled for the intake to fit?

and how much does magnafluxing cost?

 

[1978 NYB]

How much milling on a B or RB deck will require the intake to be milled or the intake side of the head to be milled for the intake to fit?

and how much does magnafluxing cost?

You can check and correct for straightness most of the time without messing up the intake fit. It's the guys that want to raise the compression ratio by milling the crap off the heads that have the intake problems. I disagree with this method...if you want higher compression....get new pistons! If I'm rebuilding the complete engine....I'll check the deck for straightness and of course cylinder bore and align bore the mains. I only do things once....the right way. I would have the blocked checked for cracks too....if it's a used block. It would be a shame to do all the machine work and $$$ for parts and have a dang cracked block or head(s).

 

[1978 NYB]

Depending on what you want done.....machine shops normally charge $100-$150 an hour no matter what they are doing....

Here's a snapshot of pricing....

Automotive engine prices only. Industrial engines priced on request.
Shop labor charges are $100.00 per hour. Minimum charge is $10.00.

[TABLE="class: tblheader2, width: 750"]
[TR]
[TH]Type of Work[/TH]
[TH]Description[/TH]
[TH]Price[/TH]
[TH]Units[/TH]
[TH]Comments[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"] Block Work [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Ball Hone Cylinder [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 5.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Boring [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 25.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] per cyl [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] in sets [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Evaluate Main Line [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 50.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Cam Bearings [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Cylinder Sleeve [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 120.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + sleeve [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Soft Plugs & Galley Plugs [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 25.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Machine Hone Cylinder [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"] Hot Tank Cleaning [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Block 4 Cylinder [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 75.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Block Clean Only V8 and Inline 6 [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 95.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Block mag for cracks [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 20.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Block with Tin (V. Covers, Pan, Int.) [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 150.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Cylinder Head Only [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Minimum Cleaning Charge [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Strip Block of Plugs [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 20.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"] Cylinder Head Work [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Clean & Reface Valves [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 4.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Clean and Estimate Repairs [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 60.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Guides in Guideless Head Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Guides in Guideless Heads [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Screw-In Rocker Stud (Single) [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Screw-In Rocker Stud Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Valve Seat Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 15.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Install Valve Seat Single [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Machine Valve Seats [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 6.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Magnaflux Cylinder Heads (Cleaning Additional) [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 20.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Multivalve and OHC Heads [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 0.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] estimate [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] please bring in for evaluatiion [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Pressure Test Cylinder Heads [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 50.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Ream Guides for O/S Valves [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 4.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Recondition With Valve Adjustment - Additional Charge [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 100.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] per hour [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Remove & Install Press Type Valve Guides [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 8.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] V8 Rocker Stud R & R (Press Type) [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] V8 Rocker Stud R & R Sets (Press Type) [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Vacuum Test Head [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 20.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Valve Grind 4 Cylinder- 8 Valve [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 120.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + parts [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] VALVE GRIND IN-LINE 6 CYL [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 195.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] VALVE GRIND V8 AND V6 [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 225.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] pr [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] VLAVE GRIND 4 CYL. 16 VALVE [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 235.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] VW 2 CYL. HEADS [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 225.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] pr [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"] Surface Work [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] 3 & 4 Cylinder Head [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 50.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] 4 Cylinder Block [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 100.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] 4, V6, V8 Manifolds [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 35.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] SOME ARE MORE [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Compression Grind Cylinder Head [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] Time [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] diesel heads [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 75.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Inline 6 Cylinder Block [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 100.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Inline 6 Cylinder Head [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 60.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Inline 6 Cylinder Manifold [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 60.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] V6 & V8 Block [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 160.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] V6 & V8 Cylinder Head [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 50.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"] Piston & Rod Work [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Fit & Align Rod Sets - Fit Piston to Rod Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 10.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Fit & Align Rod Single - Fit Piston to Rod [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 20.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] R & R Bushing & Fit Small End Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 12.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] R & R Bushing & Fit Small End Single [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Recondition Rod Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 18.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Recondition Single Rod [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 30.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Resize Big End Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 18.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] + PARTS [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="bgcolor: #FFF3E1"]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: left"] Torque, Check & Clean Rod Sets [/TD]
[TD="align: right"] 8.00 [/TD]
[TD="align: center"] ea [/TD]
[TD="align: left"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[tallhair]

You can check and correct for straightness most of the time without messing up the intake fit. It's the guys that want to raise the compression ratio by milling the crap off the heads that have the intake problems. I disagree with this method...if you want higher compression....get new pistons! If I'm rebuilding the complete engine....I'll check the deck for straightness and of course cylinder bore and align bore the mains. I only do things once....the right way. I would have the blocked checked for cracks too....if it's a used block. It would be a shame to do all the machine work and $$$ for parts and have a dang cracked block or head(s).

Sorry Bob but none of that answered my question and had nothing to do with why I asked. The questions are pertinent to the subject of buying used heads and/or having head work done.

There is not an ulterior motive .. I just would like to know the answers and they pertain to the OPs query on buying used heads.

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Usually 'bout $50-$60 for Magaflux plus $ for the boil out. Talk to a good rebuilding shop for the answer to your 2nd question. I've been playin' with cross ramz for too many yearz where it'z ah non issue. Call Muscle Motors up in Lansing, Mi. and talk to Eric and he'll answer your question. Their phone # iz in their ad on the web. Tell him Jerry Olson said hi. Jer

 

[tallhair]

[TABLE="class: cms_table_tblheader2, width: 750"]
[TR="bgcolor: #FEDFB1"]
[TD="align: left"]Magnaflux Cylinder Heads (Cleaning Additional)[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]20.00[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]ea[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

OK so $10 to hot tank the heads and $40 a set for checking for cracks = $50 bucks.

Anyone know how much a head can be milled w/o getting into the territory where you have problems with the intake not fitting ?

 

[1978 NYB]

.005" or less

 

[commando1]

I don't like milling the heads alone. A good quality head gasket (not brass - cough cough) should take care of any small issues if there is one. If the block is deck, then ya, go for it. That and the intake too.
)

 

[tallhair]

Supposedly, they were just cleaned up. Came off a 38000 mile car. We shall see. That's for the advice.

I'd just take the risk and buy them and have a shop check them out, if the owner will let you have a shop check them out before purchase all the better.

 

[68plymouth383]

I'd try and get them for under 100 as is take the risk, or 200 checked and given the ok...

 

[jake]

Thanks for the help guys. Ill probably shy away, I have two sets of 516s in great working order for my 383 build. I just don't think there is enough to gain by buying them, having them worked on. Flow would be better, but the compression would suffer. I am building a cruiser with a little pep in its step, not a racer.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Put the $200 toward the 516 heads having the exhaust opened to 1.74 and brand new stainless one piece valves you will be way further ahead. For less than $100 like previously mentioned take a chance. BTW Brian I think it is .006 off the intake for every .010 off the surface.

 

[tallhair]

Put the $200 toward the 516 heads having the exhaust opened to 1.74 and brand new stainless one piece valves you will be way further ahead. For less than $100 like previously mentioned take a chance. BTW Brian I think it is .006 off the intake for every .010 off the surface.

Thanks. I'm thinking/hoping a set of crane or comp cams composition head gasket's should make up for the .0012 chean-up on the 915's

Jake that work is going to cost in the neighbor hood of $6-800 btw for everything and new hardware but they would be a very nice set. I'd have them do a little un-shouding too and still be under $950

 

[1978 NYB]

Or just buy a set of aluminum heads.

 

[tallhair]

Or just buy a set of aluminum heads.

Ta Da!