Tools for cyl. head porting

[Luva65wagon]

Thor,

Removing the valves is not even an option if you are porting anything -- it is required. You'll have to clean everything up thoroughly when you do this type of job. Then, if you are removing the valves you must, at the very least, lap them -- and as Kenny said -- keep them in order.

FWIW I worked in an automotive machine shop for about 3 years just out of high school and did probably a dozen heads a week there (that was my deal) -- so you can't rush this sort of thing. We lapped every head we did regardless of the valves being new or ground in the shop -- and then did a solvent leak check before delivering them. The difference between a smooth running engine and one that is not is often at the mercy of the condition of the valves and we rarely had a rework job. If you're going to take it apart, do it right.

If you do nothing else, if this is a used head, you should borrow that spring compressor, lap the valves and replace the valve seals. A hand lapper and some Clover lapping compound will cost you maybe $15...

And of course if you pull the valves you should check the guides for excessive play and... and... and...

[Jerry Kirby]

Thor,

Maybe a dumb idea but have you thought about having it done? The guy that built my engine is Dave Bliss at 253-847-2742. He is in Spanaway, does great work and I am sure he would do all or part for a fair price. Why buy a bunch of expensive tools you will never use again. Just my .02

Jerry