Let's say you already have 2.02 / 1.60 valves in a current set of heads with low miles on them. And let's say you want to buy some Sportsman II bare castings from summit WRL-011150. If the valves have the same stem diameter is it neccessary to have any machine shop work done? Or can I just swap the parts over?

 

I wouldnt take valves out of a head thats already been run for a bit, and reuse them in different locations without machining them. Thats just asking for problems.

 

Yeah, I am with madmax on this one take the valves to the machine shop and have them resurfaced and cleaned up. Might as well have them install them too. Put all new valves in my 081 heads including the valves it was less than 200.00 and that was checking and replacing a few guides too.

 

at the very least i'd lap the valves in if not machining them and the seats.

 

Thanks for the responses. I was wondering if during the process of a valve job the machinest in any way compares the seat on the head to the valve itself or if the work was independent of each other as long as they are the same size.

Let's say you bought a bare set of heads and a new set of vavles. Could you just install the new valves into the heads?

Also on another note. Let's say you got some stock vortec heads and you are running more than .460 inches of lift. Instead of machining down the guides could you just get longer valves and springs with a higher install height?

 

It really depends on the machinist doing the work, and what sort of tools they are using. I always checked seat-valve contact area and location, so that the valve contacted the seat in the right spot, for every single valve. It can and usually does vary some.

Most machinists arent that particular. If it seals, they dont care.

 

Your not going to save anything here by steeling the used valves out of your heads to put in new heads.

Sell off your heads complete. If they're in good shape they have value and will sell.

Look into some other heads besides Sportsmans.
Dart/ World Sportsmans were one of the first aftermarket hi perf heads available but things hav come along way since then.
Look at the specs for a set of Pro Topline head like Mark Shields
just bought. They beat the pants off the Sportsmans in all respects.
The Sportsmans are/were a good head to take home and port
yourself but the out of the box flow is not that good.
Especially for a 200cc port. They can be improved with porting ,,but...

Valves are not expensive get new ones.