C4AE Head - Rebuild Help

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Oct 12, 2008 | 01:04 PM

taylorjgreen

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From: Edmonton Canada

C4AE Head - Rebuild Help

I have a set of C4AE heads that I am going to use on a 390 rebuild. They are from a 65 F100 with a 352.

I see in the topics on this forum that there is discussion regarding exhaust ports and the use of unleaded fuel. Does this head have hardened exhaust seats, and if it doesn't, if this something a machine shop can put in?

Is this something that I even need to do?

Oct 12, 2008 | 10:24 PM

Redmanbob

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From: Mddl A MexCans

I see arguments in both sides all the time. I think it really comes down to $$ and use of the vehicle. It's not the ports but the seats that are an issue and IMO if you dont need them then why install them. Unless you are using the vehicle for hard duty, I might say pass on it unless you have the $ to throw at them. I had my C4's done up with hard seat inserts and it added plenty to the bill. Haven't run them yet, but plan to speak my mind on it when the time comes. Seen a lot of gripes about poorly installed seats creating serious issues as well as +++ on well installed seats so... FLIP A COIN AND GO WITH YOUR HEART!!

Oct 12, 2008 | 11:26 PM

Hypoid

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Golden, CO

Back in the good ol' days of tetra-ethyl-lead, high octane, rich A/F mixtures, a car with 60,000 miles on it needed a valve job...peroid. Or so I was told by an early mentor.

My old 390 that came in my '74 required leaded fuel. When that was no longer available, I switched to lead substitute, used it maybe 4 or 5 years. When I tore down the engine, I put a straight edge across the valve stems. I had up to 1/4 variance in stem heights.

The moral of the story is that the old materials had their limits, the newer materials have an improved service life. You are going to shell out $$$ one way or another.

Machine shops can install hardened seats. It will take a machinist who knows how to work these heads to install seats correctly.

Oct 13, 2008 | 10:41 AM

taylorjgreen

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From: Edmonton Canada

I'm still not sure what the problems could be using leaded fuel and stock exhaust seats. Here is some more info in case it helps.

This truck will be driven in the summer on nice days, will never carry anything more than golf clubs, and may not see 25K miles in the next 5 years.

Oct 13, 2008 | 10:42 AM

taylorjgreen

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From: Edmonton Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylorjgreen

Oops.... I mean un-leaded fuel

Oct 13, 2008 | 10:43 AM

krewat

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From: Long Island USA

I think if unless you're going to actually tow or haul heavy loads, it's not much of an issue.

However, if they are high-mileage, the seats are probably shot, WILL have to be cut, and who knows how much meat is going to be left? Better to do the seats if you can shell out the cash.

Oct 14, 2008 | 06:31 AM

RapidRuss

FE "Freakin Expensive"

Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA

well the lead added to the fuel back in the day was used as a cushion for the valves on the seats.... But like Art had mentioned, If the heads have alot of miles on them..your going to want to put new seats in anyway..depending on there condition ? But if they have enough material to them? Just have a good 3 angle valve job done and go with the stock seats, for a motor thats only going to see 5K miles a year and not be a work horse or pounded this **** out of! JMO

RJ