302 heads

[67Flashback]

I have a 71 coupe that needs the valve seals replaced. The motor is not the original and it has an Edelbrock performer cam and intake. It also has headers with flowmasters. What I was wondering was, since I need the heads done, is there anything I can do to get more performance from them without spending a lot of money or is it even worth it? any help would be appreciated.

 

[woodsnake]

Valve seals or guides?
You can replace the valve seals with out removing the heads.
You may be able to get a set of fresh performance heads, cast or aluminum for less than a stock rebuild.

 

[2+2GT]

is there anything I can do to get more performance from them without spending a lot of money or is it even worth it? any help would be appreciated.

Yes! Port-match the exhaust to the manifolds/headers, and remove any Thermactor bumps from inside the ports. It'll feel like you got a better cam. You can do this yourself in a couple hours, I did mine.

The exhaust ports of the 289/302 had an adequate design, but in practice there was usually a lot of casting flash around the opening, and the Thermactor bumps added later were so bad you'd think spies from Chevy put them there.

 

[D.Hearne]

Yes! Port-match the exhaust to the manifolds/headers, and remove any Thermactor bumps from inside the ports. It'll feel like you got a better cam. You can do this yourself in a couple hours, I did mine.

He can also replace the valve seals too himself. But if they need guides too................ and seats, & valves, springs.....................might as well buy new or secondhand aftermarket heads. It's a slippery slope with 40 year old heads.

 

[C0V3R]

If you need to recondition the heads, I would get a quote/price before doing anything. It is likely to cost you a good portion of what a set of brand new aftermarket heads would cost.