[Blazin_Jason]

The search removes "used" so I can't really search for what I'm looking for. I'm in the process of putting together a sbc 350 (how original). I ran across an add in the local buy sell for a set of vortec heads for $800 Canadian. He said that they are off an 98/99 Suburban that was wrecked and he wanted the engine. He had since done something to the bottom end and is going to replace the whole engine. The truck only had about 30K on it, and then maybe 10K from when he had them. Before he installed them he had some work done to them. Machined for lager springs and positive seats, (so more than .500 lift can be used I was told), ARP screw in studs, guide plates, and also includes an Edelbrock performer RPM airgap intake. I'm very interested in the setup and I think it will be cheaper than having my heads worked. I'm wondering what I should be looking for when checking them out. Would it be worth taking them to a shop before hand to have them looked at, prior to purchasing if possible? Or can I just check for cracks etc? Any help appreciated, thanks.

Jason

 

[66GMC]

That sounds like a pretty good deal.

The intake and screw-in studs, etc are probably worth 1/2 of the asking price already.

It sounds like these heads have been on an engine and run? How long?

Does he have invoices to support his story? Were the heads checked for cracks etc when he had the work done to them? (I would expect the answer to be "yes" ... no self-respecting machine shop would spend a lot of time machining a pair of door-stops.)

Irontite makes a "Kwik Chek" (3-component) aerosol dye that you spray on to check for cracks.

That might be worth the investment. Follow the link and view the PDF file for part numbers and instructions for use.

 

[Blazin_Jason]

Yea the price is decent. The heads would run me $650 each new, and about $300 for the intake. I will see if he happens to have receipts for the work done to them. About 10,000km on them since they were machined. That product looks good, but I don't know if I can wait to get it.

 

[66GMC]

Yea the price is decent. The heads would run me $650 each new, and about $300 for the intake. I will see if he happens to have receipts for the work done to them. About 10,000km on them since they were machined. That product looks good, but I don't know if I can wait to get it.

Give him a deposit (get a receipt) to let him know you're serious, and explain that you'll give him the balance when they check out OK ???