head parts

[eclipsers-t]

I am looking into rebuilding my engine, but I want to do it all right the first time. So I have a few questions about the parts that you have used and found to be of good quality.

Do you all use stock valve springs and retainers?
If not what brand are you using?
Are you running with cams and adjustable cam gears? What are you using?

Any infomation on this would be great, particularly the valve springs and retainers.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[BigRand]

If your doing your cams, a valve train kit is a must. Springs and retainers at least.

Stock valves seem to be okay, however upgrading is always nice, or going over on them too.

You might want to look at www.howellautomotive.com or concept illusions and look at what parts they are using for their valve train kits or heads they sell. Then just either buy the kit from them or assemble your own with the same parts.

Good luck.

Crane or Crower Stage 2 turbo cams are my cams of choice. (.02)

 

[XMasta19]

A lot of guys upgrade to the PT Cruiser parts when it comes to the head. Even more guys run the stock cams just because gains with aftermarket ones just don't seem to be too great on our cars. If you do decide to upgrade cams, then definitely make sure you get adjustable gears as well.

 

[Blitzeclips]

If you want to go big and do it all right the first time, have your head ported and polished, opt for the 1mm oversized valves, and purchase the PT lifter/rockers from Howell. Aftermarket Cams aren't a must, but I've got the crane14 turbo grind and am looking forward to the results. Like xmasta said, if you do get the aftermarket cams, buy the adjustable gears along with it. I prefer the AEM Vs. Fidanza because they use a 5 boltdesign, rather then 3, while both do the same thing. It's just peace of mind. You may need new guides too. Also, springs are a must. These are all steps for a nice, well performing and built head. Now internals is a whole other story...

EDIT: Don't cheap out on the gaskets either.

 

[eclipsers-t]

If you want to go big and do it all right the first time, have your head ported and polished, opt for the 1mm oversized valves, and purchase the PT lifter/rockers from Howell. Aftermarket Cams aren't a must, but I've got the crane14 turbo grind and am looking forward to the results. Like xmasta said, if you do get the aftermarket cams, buy the adjustable gears along with it. I prefer the AEM Vs. Fidanza because they use a 5 boltdesign, rather then 3, while both do the same thing. It's just peace of mind. You may need new guides too. Also, springs are a must. These are all steps for a nice, well performing and built head. Now internals is a whole other story...

EDIT: Don't cheap out on the gaskets either.

I do plan on getting the head ported and polished. Just had a few questions about the parts that others are using. I appreciate all responses to those questions. Fidanza cam gears are 5 point adjustable, so why go with AEM? Also, when do you expect to get the results of crane cams? I would like to know what difference is made.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[napkinthief]

When port and polish the head is referred to, what exactly is ported and polished? Just the intake and exhaust runners?

 

[Blitzeclips]

When port and polish the head is referred to, what exactly is ported and polished? Just the intake and exhaust runners?

Eclipse rst- No I do not know the differences yet but I will sometime in the next month or so. I need to get it dynoed and hook up the turbo. Almost there, just an Intercooler and fuel setup short.. Ill be glad to PM you to the sheets and my opinions on it..

Nap, yea basically. When you port something and leave the little scratches on the surface, this would be where polishing comes in. Some claim it makes no difference if it is polished or not. Regardless, polish provides a smoother surface to transport air better; technicaly. Gasket matching would be included too if you wanted to top it off..