I was offered a set of 471 heads when I picked up a 292 this past weekend.  I do plan on building a blower motor out of this 292 and I know the 471's are good heads for 7.5-8.0:1 compression, however this set of 471's have the sodium filled exhaust valves; which I have read is a hassle since guides have to be replaced when replacing the old valves with modern SS valves.  So my question is what is a set of these heads worth?  Also, would it be worth my time messing with this set since it has the sodium filled valves?  These heads have been rebuilt and have been sitting on a shelf for 20+ years.

Thanks for any info,

Rex

You can have the valve guides changed and use the regular sized valves. I've got a set at Ted's right now for that procedure. The Sodium filled valves are prone to stem breakage. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Like Chuck said, if the heads are in good condition otherwise, no reason not to use them. Most builders will recommend replacing the guides anyway and hard seats for the exhaust.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

Yep, I knew I wanted to replace the sodium filled valves. I've heard horror stories through the FE crowd about the sodium filled 427 valves.  I just wasn't sure how much more work/money it is to replace the guides on these heads compared to a standard head.

Thanks for the info moonshadow.

Rex 

I think the heads are in decent shape as they have been rebuilt, but as I said they we're done 20+ years ago and basically I'd be throwing away all the parts except for the castings. 

Do you guys have any ideas on value.  The owner wants $100 but this is on his opinion that their ready to bolt on as is, which is not my opinion...

Thanks Glen,

Rex

Hi Rex,  Unless you think you can find a better deal then I would grab them.  If you find another set without the sodium-filled valves, they will probably need new valve guides also.  Then you can sell the first set of heads to someone else, if a better deal comes along.  Good luck, Nick Brann - K.C., MO

If these heads are crack free I would think them worth $100 bare with no work done, go for it.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Thanks guys, just the info I was looking for.

You guys wouldn't happen to have any recommendations on head porters would you?  I've ported my share of heads but it seems by the time I get halfway through a set of cast iron ones I'm sick and tired of workin' them. I know John Mummert does an excellent job but I have a feeling he's a little busy with the aluminum heads.  I've also heard good things about Les Schmader for FE heads and was wondering if anyone has had a set of heads done by him.

Thanks again,

Rex

I have had 2 sets done by Les.. Good job at a fair price, but do not be in a hurry.

Thanks RB,

Did he supply you with any flow number on your heads?

Rex