Good evening guys n gals.
I'm freshening up some LT1 heads and was wondering what the "stock" guides can handle height wise? i.e.- what's the retainer distance for stock guides?
I've machined down the Vortec guides before to use the higher lift cams, but never messed with the LT1 head stuff.
Also Looks like all the guides are pretty worn also, so what's better in an aluminum head, to knurel (?) or just replace with new?

Thanks
E

 

 

Thank You 'Tuned'.
My main issue is that I'm parts rich and cash poor for now.. (like most) I've got a couple good machining guys that I've used for the past 30+yrs, but like I've said, I've never messed with the Aluminum heads that Chevy offers, Mostly Honda's..

 

 

My 'guy' is pretty busy so asked another that I've used before..
16 Guides $160
Valve job $150
Clean/media blast heads $60
And to deck my 283 .045 would be another $160
(I could probably get better pricing, but would have to wait a bit. ..and have CASH!)
This 283 was purchased a while back with .060 over forged pistons that measured out to .045 in the hole, and wanted to get up to "0" when I freshen it up with the LT1 heads..
The self ported '062's that I had on before, as you know only have around 64cc chambers and gave me around 8.3:1 with shim Head Gaskets. That's why I'm wanting to use the LT1 heads, To raise the compression a bunch to satisfy the ex268 cam, and should put me at 10.3:1
..BUT! I also have a baby LT1 from a Caprice (4.3L) that I just read on a forum that the chambers are even smaller, so I might use those and won't have to spend the extra $$$ to deck it.

I guess I should've titled this thread as "What's the max lift stock LT1 guides/seals can take without machining"
After I posted, it didn't sound right. But it is what it is.

Thanks guys.
E