Ok, I have a set of aluminum LE2 heads for my LT1. I was inspecting them before I get ready to install and noticed that the same exhaust port on each head (2 ports total) has been ported to the point that it has broken through the port wall and into the header bolt hole. I called Lloyd about this and he says that this is common when porting in order to get the numbers required and that it is not a problem. I have faith in lloyd and take his word for law as he would not have the reputation that he has if he were not open and honest. I have also read hundreds of reviews on his work and not come across the first negative comment. However, I would like to hear some reassurance to put myself at ease before I install these heads and experience driveability or durability issues.

 

what casting number is on your heads?? I have heard that the 97 with 571 casting (i think) heads have this problem because the head is thinner in this area. if he says it will be ok.. it will be ok. I dont see it causing much of a problem.

 

Yes, these are the 561 casting number heads. Lloyd said the same thing about the "meat" being less.

 

Use a little anti-sieze on the bolt, she'll be good to go! No coolant in that area. Another level of protection would be using a stud instead of a bolt, less chance of pulling those threads when installing or removing.

 

So, nobody thinks that I will experience any longevity issues because of this? This is not a daily driver and is not a strip car, this is in my '71 Nova cruiser. I don't want to run into an issue where I have to yank these heads in 50K-60K miles due to this issue.

 

I dont see that being an issue. Like the others said, just put some anti sieze and forget it.

 

That's quite... "Impressive". I sure would not want those heads on my car. Where else are they getting thin, and Llyod hasn't mentioned anything?

I can't say this is the first time I have heard of an issue like this with his heads.

 

Have you (or anyone else in this thread) seen or heard of the rocker arm stud threaded hole being exposed in the roof of the port after porting? Is this situation much different? The rocker arm stud is just that, a stud requiring sealer. I agree with the suggestion to use a stud in (at least) that threaded hole along with a sealing compound.

I don't see it as a major issue, questioning the need to open up the port to that degree notwithstanding. I'd be more concerned with the integrity of the threaded hole as it relates to clamping ability/reliability.

 

They are only "thin" in that one area of that port in each head. I spoke with Lloyd on the phone and he assured me that it is not a problem. Logically speaking, I don't see how it would be a problem, but it's just the principle of there being a hole in the exhaust port on a $1300 set of heads. If its ok, then its ok and I will run them as is.

 

arnie, IMO the bottom of a hole being open is different from the side being thin and open.

 

Hey man youll defineately be fine with those heads due to it being on the exhaust port side rather than the intake port side. The only thing it could do was maybe create some air turbulance and restiction which in your case you might loose a horsepower or two. Also just make sure that you use some bad *** lube none of that cheap **** it really makes a difference.

 

When you guys say lube and never seize, I assume that "lube" is also never seize. Should I use a permatex thread sealant or a copper based high temp never seize?

 

This is the reason many folks prefer not to port 561 heads. I think you will be fine.

 

Like the other guys suggested, try to put a stud in there, then you don't need the lube. You could locktite the stud if you wanted, as long as your headers fit over it when it's installed. If not, then skip the locktite and just turn the stud in after the header is on there. Either way, a stud is going to be better than turning a bolt in there. I suppose you could have a thread insert done on it, but then it would extend into your port a little and would have even less aluminum by the time it was installed so maybe that isn't a good option.

I'd be interested to see the matchup between your headers and that port.

 

Good idea. A stud.