I got a new bare set of corvette heads from the classifieds. When i got them I was disappointed to find a nick in the heads surface where the head meets the head gasket. Below is a picture, is this head now unusable?

 

that's nothing. just make sure there is no high spot from the nick and put it on

 

Use a bodymans metal file or a flat file to file off any high spot or raised metal. lay the head gasket on the head and see if the nick is under the fire ring of the gasket.
It will likely seal up fine.

 

It is right under the fire ring, will this be a problem?

 

Yup, just file it down gently and carefully, and see where it ends up.

Happens all the time with aluminum parts. It's very easy to do, because of how soft aluminum is.

Lay a head gasket on it and see if it's under the fire ring. If it is, either have it welded and ground back down, or try some epoxy (which may not work if it protrudes into the cylinder).

 

File off the raised metal. Bolt it on.
Test the motor for compression before starting it.

I wouldn't loose sleep over it.
It can be repaired if it leaks. (Milling, aluminum welding)

Probabily a non-issue thou.

 

I got UPS to pay for the damage... The machine shop said the head will need to be milled.

My question is if I mill one head don't I need to mill the other to keep the engine equal? The machine shop guys said it won't matter because not that much is being taken off.

 

i'd have both heads done, but i guess you wouldn't really have to.

 

How much is "not that much"? Are we talking a .005" cut or a .050" cut to remove the flaw?

If UPS is paying, do both heads the same. I won't be "that much" $more$.