Well now that I have junkyard head is it worth cleaning them? They are stamped Chrysler out of an 01 or should I just sell them off... And where does everyone see new set of heads for 600? I would like to throw higher compression springs in incase I ever cam the truck as well so what would be a good path?

 

If you are going to go with stouter springs use one piece SS valves, the stock valves can snap the heads off with stronger springs....The Magnum motor is a low RPM truck motor, pretty hard to just do one thing without opening up a can of worms.

With that said....They can be built to make a lot power and take a lot of abuse, but the only stock part in my 408 is the block....LOL

 

Well I'm not looking to go full bore. Just minor bolt ons and maybe cleaned up heads a rockers but now that I have a set of heads in worried about them cracking...

 

Have a machine shop check em out, my stock heads on my Dakota were cracked, I never knew it, and I'm sure the heads on my 98 Ram are cracked...The point I'm trying to make is don't throw any porting money at them, and a machine shop can't do a valve job on em if they are cracked.

The stock springs are super weak, they can barely handle a stock cam but lots of people run HS non adj 1.7 rockers on stock heads and springs with zero issues. Mileage is the key here, springs wear out.

I'm sorta in the same boat, I want to rebuild the 360 in my Ram, but I'm looking for good, and cheap heads before I do. I have everything else, just need heads. Check out EBAY, lot's of choices for Magnum heads.

 

http://www.aamidwest.com/press/engin...l-block-mopar/

 

Johnson Tipton and MSP have a pair of heads for 380-420 shipped. Odessa heads a little more. I have JT's and it runs great. They are crack repaired remans.

 

junkyard supposedly will give me a 100$ credit to the junkyard when i return the cylinder heads. put that towards a different frame if i ever find a 1500 4x4 again without rust or an accident




got antsy and removed all the valves to inspect for cracks





of course the last one had a hairline crack...





a couple cylinders also had excess carbon buildup





of course the cracked cylinder was the #4 set of valves and the one with excess carbon





in case anyone needs a cheap homemade way to pull valves out. i doubt it will work putting them back in. large socket on the retaining ring and something under the opposite of the puller for leverage.

 

Alright eBay has Odessa new cast heads for 570 with valves and springs or j&c new heads for 550. Anyone used j&c or should I buy new Odessa heads

 

The new odessa heads are better castings. Thicker decks, and not as prone to cracking between the valves. For the price, ya really can't beat 'em.

 

Alright. Odessa it shall be. That's better than 900 for Eq heads...