Need some opinions on a “new” head that I purchased online. All four exhaust valves look to have broken a piece off the head itself. Is it just scrap metal now?

 

My guess is that there may have been some guide work/replacement going on in there. What does the guide boss look like on the spring side?

 

Those don't look like stock GM 906 / 062 heads. I could be wrong though. If not, a more detailed ID might help.

What you're seeing is the normal result of machine work; specifically drilling / boring the guide out. Looks kinda half-assed though; anybody with any self-respect and pride in his product would have cleaned up all those ragged edges and whatnot. Looks like high-volume low-cost offshore jam-it-out-the-door me-too-ism.

 

High volume low cost sounds like a possibility since it was 350$ for just the one head it was sold as brand new. As for the top side guide bosses they seem fine. Description from seller

“exact fits for 906/062 castings
Cylinder head castings are NEW w/ New Stainless Valves and completely new springs, retainers, valve locks, valve seals and studs (screw in type)
1.94 intake valve stainless steel
1.5 exhaust valve stainless steel
Bolt on ready!!!”

 

Skip White, perhaps?

You get, AT BEST, what you pay for. (as we all know, sometimes you don't even get that)

If you pay THE LEAST, what can you expect to get?

Those ragged broke-out edges might be eeeeeezy enough to fix, on their own; I'd be concerned though, about what other shortcuts and slapdash half-assitude might be involved.

 

Are your new heads scrap metal? No. They aren't based on the pictures you shared with us.

What you are showing us in the pictures is basically just casting flash. It needs to be knocked off and deburred.

What you have are project heads for your local "competent" engine machinist to finish for you.

There is no such thing as online ordered shipped to your door ready to bolt on and use cylinder heads. No such animal exists even though many people and companies will claim so.

All fully assembled 100% complete ready to bolt on cylinder heads are project heads for your local "competent" engine machinist to check out before bolting them onto your engine.

Yes ALL OF THEM. Even the super trick $7,000 set of "Made in the USA" AFR Super Competition 100% CNC machined and assembled with only the best parts the industry has to offer are project heads for your local "competent" engine machinist to check out first.

What does this competent engine machinist look like? He's going to be old guy, have a cigarette or cigar hanging out his mouth, look like at best he has 5 years left on this Earth or he is going to be a younger fellow that actually gives a sh*t that was trained by a guy that looked like the older fellow.