I have been without my 74 Bay since Easter after Breaking down on the way back from holiday. The heads are buggered! I've had them out and tested. They are beyond salvage.
I posted here looking for 2nd hand ones at the time and recieved some great advice (like "don't buy 2nd hand heads, whatever you do!").
So I will buy new ones. It's an 1800 and I have a mechanic mate who will help me fit them, but I would love some more advice about where to get the new heads at a good price. What IS a good price? Are there different brands? I just want standard gear, don't need high performance. I am in Melbourne (East).
Is there anything else I should know about this job? Compression was good at last service and the cyliders have not been removed, but should I do the rings anyway? Anything I can get from those of you with experience in thsi area would be great.
Buy a set of bare AMC heads and send em to JAX at lismore to fit better valves. Why? the valves used in AMC heads aren't that good but the head itself is outstanding.
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Having quite a lot of experience with type-4 engines , the best advise that I can give you is ...do not buy new AMC heads and just bolt them on . They are very prone to valve seat movement and I have at least 3 sets on my shelf that other companys have fitted and the inlet seats fall out of them .
You would be far better off purchasing a set of reco unleaded heads off Greg @ Jax Heads 02-66215561 . I have used dozens of his heads and still no failures .
If you are determined to fit new heads then see me and we will purchase a pair , remove all seats and valves and assemble them properly .
