Hey, i have to put a new head on my 360. The local salvage yard has one. I have never taken a head from a salvage yard and installed. What needs to be done to the head to make sure it functions when i install it? Some have said i need to take it to a machine shop to get "cleaned", and other have said just bolt it on. This place is a wealth of knowledge, and i figured ya'll would know. Thanks in advance.

 

Is the head that you are looking at a D2 or D3 head? Do you have a D2 head now?



John

 

i don't knw. where do i look to find out.

 

Between the center 2 spark plugs you'll find the casting number.

 

C8AE-H is the number

 

So both heads are C8AE-H's? If so good. Just check some of the valve seats are not sunk. You can put a straight edge across the valve tips above the valve springs. This will give you a idea as your looking for them to be even across the board. You Also check the thumbprints on the deck and intake side for excessive milling. On the chamber side of the head these look like 1 or 2 thumbprints. On the intake side they are 2 squareish shapes that butt to the chamber side of the head. If you have the other good head off you can compare the 2. It's a good idea to replace both head gaskets anyway since your in there. If one head is milled excessively more than the other you can have fitment problems installing the intake where leaks can occur. This in extreme cases. For the most part hopefully they are fine. I'd install new valve springs or swap yours from the bad head if they are newish or you know they are good. Valves too just double check them. If your good head is a D2TE-6090-AA it's more or less the same as the C8-H. The D2's had induction hardened seats where they were treated and hardened. Valve guides can be worn and have excessive play so check those too. And new valve seals should be installed. Maybe lap the valves if your so inclined to do so. Fairly cheap and easy. So taking a little time to check things can save you some headaches later on.

 

i haven't purchased a new head yet. now i know which one i should look for. what do i do if i can't find that casting number? Thanks

 

You should be able to. They were/are one of the std FE heads and very plentiful to find. Also some members might be able to sell you one or a nice set that might be close by. Or steer you in the direction of some. You can even settle for a single or pair of D2 heads as well.

 

it is starting to look like i can pick up a 390 for what it is going to cost me to get a head matched up to my engine. The machanics around here are saying it needs to be a 360 head or my compression will be different.

 

I'm going with a 390. i found someone willing to sell me theirs for 250. it's been out for 2 months. it is going to cost me 100 just for the head to be replaced.

 

The C8AE-H heads are the exact same on both 360's and 390's. So someone is feeding you some BS about the heads. Sounds like they are chevy guys. 360's used a shorter stroke crank, long rods and have the piston waaaaay deep in the hole for low CR.

But yes you might be able to find a complete 390 to use for a decent price. Keep Bobbys advise in mind on your other thread about the reman engines. He's right. And most come with a warrenty. So maybe price out a long block w/heads if that's your ultimate goal to have a 390.

 

Good deal!

 

BTW just keep in mind any work the 390 might need. If it's in good shape and runs well $250 is a good deal for the 390. Good luck hope it works out.