Whats the opinion in using heads that are cracked across the valve seats? Especially in a motor which isnt intended to go 100,000 miles. The heads in question are 44 * 37's early 044's.
A lot of people say just run them? any opinions?

All depends

If it is to be a reliable car for the wife and kids - NO

If it is a fun hack that wont upset you when the plugs spit out and it wont hold compression - yeah see how it goes.

Obviously it is not a first choice, IF you have them............

I wouldnt pay money for them, or pay someone to put the engine in for me.......

But i dont think you can do any damage to any other part when they go bang

Thats what i thought, I already have the heads and the cracking is what I would call minor stuff, ie not up the spark plug hole.

If you know someone with a TIG and expertise and plan on replacing the seats they could be easily repaired.

Don't think that big valves mean big performance. My experience is that big valves mean big trouble. Get some heads with 40mm inlet valves. The 44s tend to be shrouded by the cylinder wall and require quite a bit of chamber work to make them work. Then you'll need a pretty serious valve train to keep the 44s under control. Remember heavy valve spring pressure robs horsepower.

There's my 2 cents which is more than I'd pay for another set of heads with 44mm valves.

CYA, CT

There is a great head place in Artarmon in Sydney. The repaired some old 044s I gave them. The heads were cracked right through 2 spark plug holes and a few other places. They welded all the cracks, replaced all the guides, replaced one seat, tested my valve springs and picked the best ones then shimmed them and he did it all for $300.

The guys name is Graham and he used to modify heads for formula vees.

Hope this helps. CYA, CT

I wouldnt use them if you want the engine to last.

When you drop a valve seat the best case scenario is total chamber destruction as well as damaging the piston beyond repair as well.

Worst case could result in chain reaction involving a bunch of bits going bang......

If you dont care about the engine then go ahead and risk it.........

$300 to weld cracks in a VW head sounds like special matesrates with some other kickbacks as well Mine were closer to $700 and that was mates rates from guys we have been using for many many years.

:vader