Looking for some advice. My 88 IROC Vert TPI needed the valves redone. I decided to buy stock rebuilt heads with the same castings instead of removing mine and waiting for them. I didn't want aftermarket or performance heads. Motor is stock and I dind't want to put much more stress on the components. It reads 56K miles, but not way to verify this. It doesn't look abused though.

Question is - are there things I can check with the heads removed to tell how healthy or not the bottom end is? The piston walls look nice and there doens't appear to be excessive wear. What about piston movement? I can notice a very slight side-to-side movement, an no up down movement without moving the other pistons. I'm planning on borrowing a inside micrometer to measure the bores and make sure they are round and in spec.

What's the best way to clean the valley and if any of that built up sludge gets lost inside will it hurt? I'm planning on running oil trough it and changinf it before turning it over.

I'm using the factory style metal head gaskets, should I use a gasket sealer and if so what's a good type or brand?

Thanks,
Dan

 

A little piston movement is normal.

You might want to check the ridge, clean the deck thoroughly, and inspect lifter condition while the intake is off.

You can clean up the valley with a mild solvent, vacuum cleaner, and rags.