Hey guys I've been looking at a used pair of '96 Vortec heads close to me (906s), but they're missing (at least) all the valves. (I don't know if they come with anything else.) They've been machined for 2.02"/1.60" valves. So I went on to Summit and went looking through the "set of 8" for various brands. I'm looking for cheap - but not TOO cheap (if you know what I mean). Suggestions? What am I looking for in: measurements, machining, etc?

Just to take an example, a set of 8 Trick Flow 1.60 exhaust valves are on clearance for 34.50 (#TFS-6101) And it lists:

Undercut Stem: No
Swirl Polished: Yes
Overall Valve Length (in): 4.911
Valve Stem Diameter (in): 0.3415
Valve Tip Length (in): 0.250
Valve Material: EV8 Stainless steel
Lock Groove Quantity: 1-groove
Lock Groove Style: Conventional
Valve Head Style: 12 degree dish

Thanks for the help guys.

Oh, by the way, the ad for the heads reads:

1996 350 Chevy Vortec Heads (906 Casting )
These have been surfaced and I brought back from machine shop before they were finished . They were putting 202 intake valves in them ... I have about $400.00 invested in them but not finishing the project ... Heres a REAL buy for the performance car ... My buddy put these on his small block and dyno'ed out at 525 HP ... ( Sold AS IS ) I have the stock valves and springs with them.

http://b.im.craigslist.org/dw/Ef/WcMUf3EWz3FuevpHpemjVjYk5cwa.jpg http://a.im.craigslist.org/Ea/HA/x9y8M51YmH12mU10wAweMc67lxQn.jpg

So I guess, upon 5th reading, they do come with springs at least...

Nobody?

Check out the Manley Budget Performance series of valves, stainless, swirl polished and very inexpensive.
10549-8 1.600
10550-8 2.020
The ad reads to me the seats have not been cut yet for the larger valves, so if you're buying the heads get them first so you order the correct valves.
Good luck http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Custom Auto, your source for quality machine work, cores and new parts at competetive pricing right here in British Columbia 1-888-563-4050
A Canadian, EH? (with a 10 second street car)

Yep, they're set up for some bigger breathers. I had been looking at those Manley valves...just kinda thought "how cheap is TOO cheap?" Thanks!

...The guy emailed me once a while ago before he lowered his price...now I haven't heard back from him again. Guess I'll have to use the phone, grr.

[This message has been edited by StudDawg380 (edited July 13, 2005).]

While I wouldn't use those valves in a solid roller application they are one piece and Manley wouldn't put their name on junk. FYI for all the heads that come through our shop a valve failure was a result of something else causing it 99.999% of the time, stressing the valve far beyond it's design, such as an import engine losing a timing belt and the resulting carnage. I still can't get used to seeing 16 bent valves and 16 cracked guides, makes me shudder.

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Custom Auto, your source for quality machine work, cores and new parts at competetive pricing right here in British Columbia 1-888-563-4050
A Canadian, EH? (with a 10 second street car)