Date:         Mon, 25 Sep 2000 17:19:47 EDT
Reply-To:     Wolfvan88@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: What company sells the best NEW heads?
Comments: To: wdavidson@thegrid.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Bill,

I got my AMC heads from AVP.  The cost was $425 each BUT they gave me a $100
credit with a core to trade in.  So the overall cost for each head was $325
each. They wanted the VW valves from the heads to reuse in the AMC heads.
The Italian valves pulled through because the tips was too soft.  (Some still
might have the problem)

I ordered a set of cromoly spring retainers and racing valve locks from CB
Performance because they are much stronger than the stock parts that come
with the AMC heads.

Get the three angle valve job on the seats and a two angle on the valve.
ALSO CLEAN up any casting mismatches in the ports to further improve air flow.


If you are adding ratio rockers, Do not go to heavier springs, but use
lighter valve train parts. This way you do not shorten the life of the cam
and lifters, but achieve the same results as heavier springs: better valve
control.

To improve flow Polish the exhaust but not the intake port.  On the intake
just clean up the mismatches.  DO NOT REMOVE the little bump on the bottom of
the intake ports near the front, or else the valve spring WILL BREAK through
into the port, destroying the head!!!!

A little bit of work to the heads can greatly increase flow and power but
without loss in mileage (unless you floor it all the time in accelerating).


Robert