sorry but im looking at a set of 441 heads this weekend and don't know how to check for hardened seats. just need some basic input

------------------
members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg) members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg)
John Krenn
1970 malibu SS look-a-like well kinda
307/200-4r (soon to be 355 or 383)

Ft.Worth, Tx

John,
It looks like the 441 head was used in a bunch of applications from 1967 on up to the late 70's. If you can find a date code on them it would help. Starting around 1972, most heads have induction hardened seats from the fastory. But....if they have had several valve jobs done to them they may be cut past the hardening. If someone has installed hardened seats you should be able to see the edge of the seat around the outside of the exhaust valve. Other things to look at are:
1. How far the valves have "sunk" into the seats, and if they are all even.
2. Look at the pushrod guide slots in the head, especially the center ones. This will not matter if you are going to install guide plates.
3. Do the heads have accessory holes on the ends (if you need them)

Personally, unless the heads are in "like new" condition, or if you need them for a "numbers" type restoration, I think you would be better off with a set of Dart Iron Eagle's or maybe World's SR Torquers. By the time you put all the money into the Chevy heads, you will be at very close to the same price.
Hope this helps,

------------------
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

Hardened seats are installed by machining out the material of the head under the valve and replacing it with a hardened metal. You should be able to see the difference in material and also a line where the machining was done.

Unless you are running a very high performance engine or expect to drive high miles, hardened seats are not necessary.

What about "work hardening" of valve seats.

I've heard (in this forum) that the use of lead additives is not necessary (as long as CR permits the use of pump gas) in that valves seats have work hardened.

I understand how the engine's heating/cooling cycles of use can temper metal. But what about valve recession? Did the use of lead in a previous life act to help work harden? How can anyone know?

My car is for street use. My heads and block coode and date back to what should be an original L34, though work has been done by a PO (cam & solid lifters, intake for sure. Other things???)

A little clarification on this topic is appreciated. Thanks

------------------
??michael j Team Chevelle Gold #77
70 Chevelle SS396 4sp, Fathom Blue/White Stripes - Canadian built

[This message has been edited by michael j (edited 12-03-99).]

ok the heads are FULLY ported (were going on a blown 383 that never came to be) w/ 2.02 1.60 valves that have been cut too. he only wants $250 for em minus springs which i have already.

Porting my 882 heads would cost more than that and he's cleaning out his garage.(he actually had an ad for vette aluminum heads that i coldnt' use so i asked if he had any others and turns out a bunch of stuff) and he's a GM ex mechanic.

casting #'s are 3932441 and seem to be rare, not that i care but they should be as much head as i can get for my $

------------------
members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/chevelle9.jpg) members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg (http://members.aol.com/jnkb2cool/350.jpg)
John Krenn
1970 malibu SS look-a-like well kinda
307/200-4r (soon to be 355 or 383)

Ft.Worth, Tx

GM did not install seats in the heads to for unleaded fuel as suggested in the earlier post, the did induction harding. Bill is on the money with what he said. Unless you are doing a numbers car or get a super deal on early casting then go for after market heads.

He just did a set of 291 casting for me, new exhaust seats and the intake cut open for 2.02 valves. I'm doing a 60 vette and what the motor to look stock. No bolt holes.

On the seat deal, GM did put seats in the later rat heads, the big square port heads that had stainless intakes and exhaust valves I can't spell so I won't try!

------------------
Wally
Gold #67
67 Malibu "Small Block"
90 SS454
71 Malibu "Small Block"
93 torch red vette




[This message has been edited by Wally (edited 12-03-99).]

John,
Those heads are kind of "iffy" as far as installing hard seats for the 1.600 exhaust valves. There just isnt much "meat" under the seat area. We have crashed water several times trying to do it. So... more than likely they have not had seats installed. If the heads are apart, it is very easy to see the seat inserts as they are a harder and usually different color (brighter) material thatn the rest of the head. By the way, here is a list from the Automotive Engine Rebuilders association of the applications for that head:


3932441 CHEVROLET 327,350 GM 5.70 Y 68-75 350.00 V 8 4BC,CHEVROLET TRUCK
3932441 CHEVROLET 327,350 GM 5.70 V 74-76 350.00 V 8 2BC,CHEVROLET
3932441 76 CC HEAD GM 5.40 L(1) 68-69 327.00 V 8 CHEVROLET,LATE STYLE
3932441 Head 67 CC HEAD GM 5.40 L 62-67 327.00 V 8 CHEVROLET,EARLY STYLE
3932441 Head GM 5.00 307 68-73 307.00 V 8 CHEVROLET
Hope this helps,


------------------
Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100