New Heads VS total rebuild on C8OE CJ heads - Your opinions?

[TorinoBP88]

In light of the engine failure i had on Sunday, dropped an exhaust valve from a used set of CJ C8OE heads (unknown valves at this point) and beat up my 'new' 416 bottom end (link to story at: ( http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/thread/1458099200/last-1458162466/View+Thread )),

My question is one that has been asked a dozen times before (but my perspective is different now!):

1) Do i rebuild these CJ heads (or a set of C6AE-R heads) with all new parts new guides and exhaust seats at least,

or

2) Do i buy a set of Edelbrock heads (or save up a little more) and get Survival or BT heads.

[machoneman]

#2 gets my vote.

[jayb]

Sorry to hear about the engine failure.  I saw your post on the FE Forum and wondered about the failure's train of events.  I have never seen a valve just break in half without contact of some sort.  Not saying it didn't happen, just wondering if you saw any other evidence of contact, for example a bent pushrod, that may have indicated piston to valve contact prior to the break.  Also, was this a hydraulic lifter engine?  If so, are the clips still in the top of the lifter where the failure occurred?

Anyway, where you are now it seems to me that you would be money ahead buying a set of the Edelbrocks, swapping on your springs, and going from there.  Good luck on the repair.

[FirstEliminator]

   Does anyone make a set of aftermarket cast iron FE heads?

[427Fastback]

I just did a set of CJ heads.By the time I had new seats installed,had them surfaced got all new springs and retainers and new valves I probably could have bought new aluminum heads..Customer wanted the stock iron heads or I would have done it..
I am not a fan of CJ heads with hardened exhaust seats.Unless the head is shallow (counter)bored and a thin seat is installed the seat support is not 100%...JMO.

[jayb]

   Does anyone make a set of aftermarket cast iron FE heads?

No, no aftermarket cast iron heads are available for the FE.

[TorinoBP88]

Jay,

Well careful looking and I found the exhaust pushrod was bent about 0.020".

More carbon on valve stem than I expected to see. Probably from the other guy running this 750 carb which is on the rich side. There was a slight witness on stem of possible seize in the house.  Stem broke like glass.

Found valves are all trimmed down hollow Sodium Valves labeled S 3-9!  I missed this... I never would have run them had I known!!! Wish my machinist would have replaced the valves when I asked him to. I guess he thought he was helping me save $$.

Live and learn.

[machoneman]

Ouch! Yes, when new those sodium filled valves were the latest and greatest. Yet, years later, they ate away inside way too many great engines, Cammer's included, as they were time bombs just waiting to go off. 

[MeanGene]

They might not be trimmed down, they made lightweights in CJ size too. Pip, I have a set, IIRC, of C8's that are pretty fresh that I don't need that could go pretty cheap. I do have an extra set of Ebocks but not sure if I want to give them up yet- if I sell a couple other things I'll probably hang on to them

[cjshaker]

As much as I love the old iron, I think I'd go for the Edelbrocks also. Those heads are still saveable though for someone who needs them.

[TorinoBP88]

MeanGene, What does IIRC mean.  C8 heads, are those chambers on the small side for a 428 (or a 462 stroker?) I would hope they are 8 bolt exhaust a well?

[cammerfe]

I'm not MG but...

'If I Remember Correctly' will get you in the ballpark.

Last I knew you could get iron heads from Dove but you'd undoubtedly have to order them specially made and it would probably take a year or more to get them. And to what purpose?

Iron heads are, by this time, only for those who MUST use them due to some sort of class rule.

KS

[KMcCullah]

The curse of the sodium filled exhaust valve! Sorry to hear Pippin. Have you talked Keith Craft? I saw an ad he was running last year about offering CNC porting for iron heads. Maybe he can hook you up with a ready to run CNC ported iron head? And save you a few bucks. 

[cjshaker]

Iron heads are, by this time, only for those who MUST use them due to some sort of class rule.

KS

Or for the stubborn, or the ones who just want to prove a point, or who just want an all Ford iron engine, or are nostalgic. or....

[MeanGene]

IIRC means you might have a touch of CRS- and hopefully not full-fledged CRAFT...
Pretty sure the heads are C8AE-H's, eight bolt set that was built fresh for a jet boat and only run a little. Should be able to swap to your springs and put 'em on