'77 heads: Ok on unleaded?

[Steve_87K5]

\'77 heads: Ok on unleaded?

Am taking some '77 heads in for a valve job. Are these OK as-is for unleaded fuel, or should I have hard seats installed?
Thanks.

SteveB

 

[ken]

Re: \'77 heads: Ok on unleaded?

Those '77 heads (and any head made after 1975) should have the induction hardened seats which means you WILL NOT need hardened seats installed. I kinda don't like when a head is machined for seats, as the seats can come out and ruin your engine if you overheat it. I haven't had any problem with the induction hardened seats. The later model heads are even better, as they have the super duty exhaust valves too. Good luck.

ken

 

[nyyef]

Re: \'77 heads: Ok on unleaded?

yeah theyll be alright. just for info.......the reason you should have hardened seats with unleaded is because in the old days lead in the fuel was kind of a lubricant. it also softened the impact of the valve closing. that way it didnt matter as much to have the seat a harder metal.

Knife.
knife.coloradok5.com
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by nyyef on 01/15/01 10:55 AM (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Steve_87K5]

Re: \'77 heads: Ok on unleaded?

OK. Off they go to the machine shop. Was quoted $80 plus parts, and more if guides
are needed. Thanks for the help!

SteveB