Can I "lightly" p&p my own heads?

[FastRedPonyCar]

ok...now I know that this is usually something left for pros with C&C machines to do but with no plans for a really heavy port and polish, I'm wondering if anyone has done this task themselves?

I've got a set of 00 PI heads. One is brand new and one is used and really dirty and gross looking. I'm planning on at least cleanign it up really good but the intake ports and exhaust ports are very rough on both of them. I was wondering, If I took my time, would there be any chance for me to screw up the heads if I were to take a dremel and some sanding and polishing tips and just lightly buff down the roughness to a smoother surface on the intake and exhaust runners and on the inside of the combustion chamber where the valves are?

I really don't have the money to get someone to do it and with other parts needed to get the headswap done, I'd rather spend the money on that stuff and do this myself.

Again, I'm not trying to port the heads. I just want to smooth them out and clean them with the dremel cause brake cleaner didn't do the job and they look like ass. Lots of crap on the inside of the runners and exhaust ports which in my opinion, can't be good.

Any body think this is something that can be done?

 

[scheister]

Listening....

 

[cap42]

As for doing it on a FI car no I've never done it I "polished" the head on my 67 200ci in-line 6 when I rebuilt it. I noticed no adverse affect and the engine ran strong when it was put back together however this is apples to oranges I'm not a machineist (sp?) and have no experience on doing this on a modular or let alone a FI engine.

I would very much like to know the awnser to this myself for our modular engines.

 

[FallenPhoenix]

If you can figure out where the water passages are I don't think it could hurt anything too bad to polish it up a little bit. I'd be wary of any porting until I'd heard from someone that had done it before.

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

well, i'm not going to port them. actually, i will but that will be down the road when i get a built short block and either a single turbo from cobrakiller or a kb twin screw. I'm just wanting something to make sure the're nice and clean. A $1600 stage III P&P with oversized valves etc. will be for another day.

 

[Steeda Cheeta]

well, i'm not going to port them. actually, i will but that will be down the road when i get a built short block and either a single turbo from cobrakiller or a kb twin screw. I'm just wanting something to make sure the're nice and clean. A $1600 stage III P&P with oversized valves etc. will be for another day.

Absolutly, I have polished and ported a couple sets when I was driving Chevys and they all came out great. As long as you don't get carried away, or try to do bowl work, you will be fine, you could even slightly gasket match port the intake and exhaust side. Just remember STAY AWAY form the bowls, you will be changing the compression, messing with them. Tape off you valves and water passages so you don't get any fileings in them.

 

[scheister]

huh....

 

[DBMSTNG]

i don't think there would be any problem with removing the crap left-over from the casting. but as Steeda Cheeta mentioned, don't mess with the bowls.

 

[Bone Racing]

yes
but keep it light or keep it to the pro's

and re-tune afterwards

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

yeah a tune will definately be in the mix. If you guys haven't heard all my plans here goes.

- 00 PI heads
- 00 PI intake
- Dragon plenum w/undecided brand 75mm tb
- Stage I N/A VT cams
- BBK LT's
- Dr. Gas o/r X pipe
- Dyno tuned chip or reflash from T&J performance.

I think she's gonna be a real beast after the project is over. I can't wait but I have no money so it's gonna be a while.

 

[MT1083]

How much does it cost to get your heads p&p?

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

about 3 times as much as the heads themselves

 

[MT1083]

Holy Crap! I'm interested in doing that in the future too. That sux.