Magnafluxing a Cylinder Head

[Chatt69chgr]

Is magnafluxing the best way to check a head for cracks?  Should I go ahead and remove the valves before I take the heads to be checked?  In case I may want to reuse the old valves, do they have to be kept in order?  I need to get this done right away since the junkyard said they would make good on any head that was cracked.   

At some point, I will need to make a decision on whether to resuse the old valves or buy new ones.  What are the important considerations in valve selection?  Should one buy stainless valves?  I did look at some pictures of stainless valves and noted that the machining was very good on the undersides which would promote good flow.  (I do plan on cleaning up the 452's bowls per a recent thread).

[firefighter3931]

Have the heads magged and pressure tested for leaks....before spending any money on machining.  Bring them in bare or they will charge yoou for disassembly labor.

I like stainless valves. If you're planning on a head upgrade in the future (Edelbrock/Indy) then you might consider re-using the originals....assuming that they are still serviceable. This would keep the costs down. Whichever way you go...have a 3 angle VJ done and a 30* backcut done to the valves to help with low-mid lift flow. I would do the porting first before the VJ....just in case you knick up one of the seats.



Ron

[Chatt69chgr]

Thanks Ron.