Several years ago I had a set of 454 oval port open chamber heads built for by 69SS. This engine has always used oil and smokes pretty good after a hard run-especially while decelerating. I am blaming the valve guides. Does this sound right? Is there anything I can do besides pulling the heads and replacing the guides? Thanks, CD

It's tough not actually seeing the engine, but it sounds like the rings have had it. Probably a little of both, rings and guides. I would run a compression check and/or leakdown test. These will tell you the condition of the engine.

Bad guides/valve seals will usually rear their ugly head when you first start the engine. If it smokes when you first start the engine, it could be the guides/valve seals. I would blame your valve seals before I would blame the guides.

You can replace your valve seals without removing the heads. It's a somewhat difficult job but it can be done. If your careful and have the patience, you can do it. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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[This message has been edited by 1BadRat (edited 06-19-2002).]

Thanks for the reply 1BadRat. The engine doesn't smoke during startup and it doesn't use hardly any oil if I just drive it around town-only when I run it hard. I'll go ahead and run a compression check on all the cylinders and see what they are and if there are any that are real lazy. The engine runs strong and the plugs stay fairly clean. So after reading your reply I am further convinced it's probably the guides and/or seals. I'll know more after the compression/leakdown test.
Thanks, CD

Thanks for the reply 1BadRat. The engine doesn't smoke during startup and it doesn't use hardly any oil if I just drive it around town-only when I run it hard. I'll go ahead and run a compression check on all the cylinders and see what they are and if there are any that are real lazy. The engine runs strong and the plugs stay fairly clean. So after reading your reply I am somewhat convinced that it might be the rings. I'll know more after the compression/leakdown test.
Thanks, CD