Question about heads.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
Question about heads.
I'm rebuilding my 6.9 right now, and the heads both need completely new exhaust valve guides, I'm looking at close to $300 per head for all the work thats needed, one also has damage from a head gasket that was slowly being eaten away at the fire ring (may have to fill it).
The machine shop has a set of 6.9L heads that are ready to go, but heres the catch: they drilled out the holes for the head bolts to try and fit it on a 7.3L IDI only to find that the length was incorrect. They would let me have the reconditioned heads for $150 a piece. I brought in a stock head bolt ahd its not too bad, there is still plenty of shoulder to clamp through.
What do you guys think? should I risk it? I'll be useing ARP head studs.
The machine shop has a set of 6.9L heads that are ready to go, but heres the catch: they drilled out the holes for the head bolts to try and fit it on a 7.3L IDI only to find that the length was incorrect. They would let me have the reconditioned heads for $150 a piece. I brought in a stock head bolt ahd its not too bad, there is still plenty of shoulder to clamp through.
What do you guys think? should I risk it? I'll be useing ARP head studs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: KY
With studs you should be fine and probably would otherwise. The head is going to move around anyway when running. They all do. Those guides in the block don't stop them from that. They are there to help you git it together.I wouldn't be afraid it.
You don't want a head bolt to fit to snug in a head anyway. If they fit very tight the head bolts can break from head movement. That is why the stock head bolts have the majority of the shank cut down anyway.
You don't want a head bolt to fit to snug in a head anyway. If they fit very tight the head bolts can break from head movement. That is why the stock head bolts have the majority of the shank cut down anyway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
I would contact these folks and ask them if they have your 6.9 heads available...... can't beat their warranty for the price........ http://www.cylinder-heads.com/contact.cfm
I would certainly NOT buy the drilled out ones, probably with no warranty at ANY price.
I would certainly NOT buy the drilled out ones, probably with no warranty at ANY price.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
I had them order the parts I need for the build as well, so when the ARP studs arrive, we will have a look at how well they fit. If you think about it, there is already a loose fit with the stock setup, and the size difference is only 1/16".
He did not mention taking my heads as cores, just told me the price for each head. I will ask about waranty when I go back, but they have done good work for me before, and I feel they are not trying to rape me, but they don't do much work on these diesels either, so I wanted to ask what you all think.
The other thing is that we have customers starting to contact us again now that things are getting back to normal after the holidays. I'd like to get this truck out of the shop ASAP, and these heads are ready to go right now. I don't know how long it would take to get heads from an online supplier.
He did not mention taking my heads as cores, just told me the price for each head. I will ask about waranty when I go back, but they have done good work for me before, and I feel they are not trying to rape me, but they don't do much work on these diesels either, so I wanted to ask what you all think.
The other thing is that we have customers starting to contact us again now that things are getting back to normal after the holidays. I'd like to get this truck out of the shop ASAP, and these heads are ready to go right now. I don't know how long it would take to get heads from an online supplier.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
1/2" bolts have a different thread per inch, 13 if I remember right.
The 7/16" are 14 TPI.
No way to tap the block and get a good strong set of 1/2" threads.
If you tried, you would wind up with a very heavy paper weight.
The 7/16" are 14 TPI.
No way to tap the block and get a good strong set of 1/2" threads.
If you tried, you would wind up with a very heavy paper weight.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
Originally Posted by Diesel nut
How much are head studs for a 7.3?