SOHC Heads with Cracks Between Valves

[Machsohc]

So, I'm looking at a pair of factory aluminum SOHC heads on the 'bay. I only need them so my car builder can mock up a SOHC in the engine bay for the engine mounts and various clearances ('72 Mustang conv). My long-term plan is to buy a set of Pond heads when they get the next batch cast up, so I will never run these. The heads have visible cracks between some of the valves, I don't see any other cracks but doesn't mean they don't exist. I don't care about the cracks, as long as they are repairable because I'm not going to re-sell them to someone as "good" heads if they aren't usable and, frankly, I don't want to pay "repairable" pricing for heads that are only good as display pieces.
So my question is: are cracks between the valves repairable (at a reasonable price - I suppose almost anything can be repaired if $$ are not a factor)?  The asking price is lower than a new set of heads, but not by a lot.

Thanks (and Happy Memorial Day to all!)

Mark

[hbstang]

the ones greg has on ebay have cracks across the chambers,and the others on there are $25000 k .
can you post a link on wich ones you are looking at?

[hbstang]

not sure what happen but my post doesnt show up?
can you post a link on what heads you are looking at on ebay?

[hbstang]

i have a pair of dove sohc heads that drop a seat,and put a big hole in port/chamber in 1 cylinder,my engine builder said no problem he can weld it up.so i am waiting to see what he can do.

[Stangman]

If they are just for mock-up why fix them at all. Maybe I’m not understanding.

[JacksFordParts]

Where are you located Mark?

[galaxiex]

...

[Machsohc]

Hbstang - the ones I’m looking at are the “Greg-Shelton” ones, eBay #297554839585.

Stangman - I’d like to re-sell them after the shop is done mocking up the engine, but if they’re not repairable then I won’t get nearly as much (if anything) vs. if they are repairable, so I don’t want to pay what a “good” set of heads is worth then lose several thousand $$ trying to sell them. I have no plans to fix them myself. As a note, the auction is very clear on the condition of the heads with great photos and the seller appears to be completely honest in the description.

Jacksfordparts - I’m in Florida , but the work is being done by Mustangs To Fear in Rochester, Indiana, which is where I’ll be shipping the block, heads and a set of valve covers so they can mock it all up in the car.

Thanks all for reading and commenting!

Mark

[blykins]

Pond doesn't have any in stock?  It would be a shame to pay $10k for some mock-up heads when you can buy what you'll be running for just over half that.

[Machsohc]

Hi Blykins - no, Pond says they don't have any (aluminum) blocks and won't have heads until September. But, yeah, I'm not crazy about $10k, but if I can recoup at least most of that cost and it keeps the car on schedule (until the next problem, that is), then I'd be willing to do it.

Mark

[JacksFordParts]

1. Be very careful dealing with that fella.

2. I wouldn't buy junk heads for 10k, you'll never be able to sell them. He's had them for 30 years for a reason.

3. Give me a call - we can likely work something out to get you to your mock up goal.

5406644418 - Jack

[428kidd]

Pictures would help. Having them pressure checked will tell if the cracks are a issue. Most cracks can be fixed, but its always more to repair. Im not well versed on cammer heads but some high risers and TP stuff have cracks across the seat to the spark plug and that is pretty much a none issue.

[pumpbldr]

Usually those cracks are weldable. Did it alot back in the day before repop heads. A good head guy should be able. Plus if you are mocking up for headers, remember the stock exhaust bolt pattern is different from pond head.

Doug aka pumpbldr
Precision Oil Pumps

[Machsohc]

Good morning all,
Doug - thanks for the info on the exhaust bolt pattern, didn't know this. Right now, mock up is just to physically locate the engine/heads/covers in the bay to ensure there's room and for the engine mounts/cradle positioning. This is a '72 Mustang (never came with an FE) and MTF will be removing the shock towers (installing a late-model Corvette-based suspension/brakes) and cross brace so there should be plenty of room on the passenger side and front, but will need to see where the driver's side components (manual brakes, power rack/pinion steering and clutch components) shake out. Final "fitting" and custom (assuming) headers will be after I have the Pond heads and aluminum block (and intake).

Jack - I'll give you a call in the next week or 2 and see if you can help me any. On that front, I got a message from Pond (Chris) that they now expect the heads to be available in June-July timeframe so I'm going to pass on the ebay heads and wait for the good stuff :-) No word on whether they will have any blocks available yet, so I need to call Shelby (they show "standard bore" and "big bore" blocks) to see what they have.

If anyone is interested in the ebay heads, the auction is #297554839585, as far as I know they're still up, though there's about 40 people watching them. Auction says you can make an offer, so may take less than the $9900 asking price.

Again, thank you all for taking the time to educate and help me with this! I'm sure there will be many more opportunities to do so coming up!

Mark

[Machsohc]

Sorry, I misstated the availability date on the heads - they said it would be July/August. I should know better than to rely on my memory...