I just got some vortec heads. they seemed a bit greasy so I'm wondering how I get them checked. It seems like the gasket is sort of "imprinted" on them as well, so do they need to be hot tanked before getting checked if they are warped by a machine shop?

They'll need to be cleaned first. It's awfully tough - nearly impossible - to magnaflux greasy parts accurately. Most shops will run 'em thru a parts washer/cleaner prior to checking. Good luck, vortecs get a bad rap about cracking but they're less prone to it than a lot of older, thinner castings.

Greasy Grimy and covered in gopher guts, they were probably removed from an operating engine.
A leaking head would show evidence by being somewhat different in the leaky area as opposed to the non leaky area.
That evidence is hidden many times when cleaned.

I would take them in to a machine shop and have them freshened up before I bolted anything on. It should not cost that much (probably under $300). Cheap insurance and gives you the confidence of a new top end.

If it were me, I would have them hot tanked, have the deck checked out, perform a valve job, and have screw in studs installed. While they are in there, I would also have them modified so you can lift them over .480 as well. Something you could also do yourself before you take them in as well as it is really easy. Depending on how far you want to go, you could also have them ported a little. At a minimum I would take some time with a die grinder and smooth out the runners before you take them in. I would perform any DIY mods before you take them in, as the tank should clean up any fillings.

I would take them in to a machine shop and have them freshened up before I bolted anything on. It should not cost that much (probably under $300). Cheap insurance and gives you the confidence of a new top end.

If it were me, I would have them hot tanked, have the deck checked out, perform a valve job, and have screw in studs installed. While they are in there, I would also have them modified so you can lift them over .480 as well. Something you could also do yourself before you take them in as well as it is really easy. Depending on how far you want to go, you could also have them ported a little. At a minimum I would take some time with a die grinder and smooth out the runners before you take them in. I would perform any DIY mods before you take them in, as the tank should clean up any fillings.

Just had a set of cast iron heads done - $550. hot tanked, new sleeves, seals, valves, springs, retainers ... the whole nine yards. I'd gladly pay that again... unless I had the tools (and time) to do it.

Just had a set of cast iron heads done - $550.

seems like a lot...

When I had mine done I had them tanked, magnafluxed, milled for flatness, all new valves, seals, owner provided springs installed, screw in studs for $400.

seems like a lot...

When I had mine done I had them tanked, magnafluxed, milled for flatness, all new valves, seals, owner provided springs installed, screw in studs for $400.


Maybe it's the area... that was about average price quoted. They installed the new springs... I didn't buy them. Had to go with bigger exhaust valves, etc. Fixed a some bad porting from the previous ower... etc.

Maybe it's the area...

well one thing I do know... If you are getting a good service (especially with rebuilding engine components) it is always better to pay more if you know it is being done correctly.

Seeing they installed new springs your price is probably close to mine...

well I might as well update this thread in light of recent info.

Had the heads hot tanked and mag'd for 25 a piece. results...: each head had 4 cracks. ouch. my machinist marked them, but I could only see 1 of them, it was a small one on one of the valve ports. Well there goes 250$! I guess thats what happens when you buy used from recycler!

sorry to hear that, atleast you didnt bolt them on and go.

sorry to hear that, atleast you didnt bolt them on and go.
Too bad about the heads, again at least you found out before you bolted em on



Hey mwilson, congrats 13000 posts WOOT WOOT:crazy: