Tweaking your head for extra guts?

[blekkja]

Ripped mine off to sort a stuck valve. Is a GLS head, so that is fine. Since I am sending it to the engine shop anyway can I ask them to do anything else at the same time? That isn't going to cost me buckets. ie: skimming the bottom to increase the compression? I'm a bit dubious about this cos the worked motor that came with my car originally had been overworked which lead to a valve vs piston situation. This is the first major(ish) work that I've had to do to this motor itself (10 years strong: best $170 ever. If only I hadn't scrapped the car!) and that sorta reliability is what we like.


I'm also going to send the rockers in too, because it would be nice for that damn ticking to piss right off!

[oldschool]

Have a read through the 'Avenger Technical Articles' for performance tips.
I think skimming the head isn't recommended as it reduces the combustion chamber size.
Skimming the block 1mm is better as it makes more 'squish' to help combustion.
No porting required on the inlet ports (unless racing) while the exhaust ports have some sharp angles that can be smoothed.
If you have a single carb 1500 motor, you need to be using the single carb 1300/1600 'free flow' inlet and exhaust manifolds to get any benefits from porting. The twin carb motors already have free flow manifolds.

[blekkja]

Is it worth getting the valve seats capped to better work with current fuel? I've gotten my Mechanic to price this, he seems to think it is an excellent option.

[oldschool]

Not a big issue for Avenger motors as they handle unleaded better than other old cars.
I've never had any burnt valves in 8 years...the main thing is to check the valve clearances at least once a year.
The inlet seats don't need inserts, they just help the exhaust seats, which will need new valves at the same time if you're fitting inserts...a false economy to re-use the 40 year old valves!
The advantage is that you won't need to check the clearances so often...so up to you whether you want to spend the money!

[blekkja]

I've just had word back: got 5 stuffed valves. Quoted $700 for repairs, including doing the seats. If I'm looking at replacing all my valves anyway...?


Given that twin spring heads are thin on the ground now I think I'm just going to go for it: I'm certainly not getting rid of the car any time soon. Unless one of you have a good spare one that you want to pass on?

[JoKer]

or grab a second hand head? shoot you buy whole car for that

[blekkja]

Not anymore! Yeah I don't mind spending the money if it is worth it, but think I am leaning towards secondhand at this stage. PMed a guy who had some spare units a couple of posts back and it seems like it could work out.

I brought the car this motor is out of 10 years ago for $170 so it has done me pretty well that it is only giving out now.