I'm taking my heads to be checked and resurfaced if necessary. How much resurfacing is too much for these heads? Will I need a thicker gasket? Is there a limit to how much they shave off? I'm guessing that if they are not straight the amount that they cut off shouldn't be all that much to make a big difference, but I want to make sure.
Thanks

 

I'd say .006-.010 is an average deck mill surface (at any 'one-time deck) for normal conditions. As for the max amount, you can take the surface down to the edge of the seats (stock LT1's) as long as you're not running a heavy does of nitrous or blown. Any more than that with nitrous/blown and you'll run into a thinner deck surface than optimal.

If the heads are warped, I'd be concerned if they have to take more than .015-.017 at any one-time decking. Any more than that and the valvetrain becomes a bit warped requiring a valve job to get the valves back in line with the seats.

To get specifics I'd talk with your machinist after he inspects them for straightness etc. He should be able to answer your questions with more detail as long he's knowledgable and has a good rep.

Mike

 

I just got off the phone with the guy. He seemed pretty knowledgable. He told me that he recommends all aluminum heads to be resurfaced. He quoted me $110 to resurface them, give it a valve job, clean them, and install new springs and valves(which i'm supplying since i'm upgrading the cam). I think thats a good price, right?

 

Seems good, my local shop wants $80 a head just to resurface.