[BB1968]

Hey guys take a look at these pics and see what you can tell. Is my engine doing like it should? Is it burning like it should? I burn nothing but Shell 93 octane in it. It has about 8,000 miles on it since a complete rebuild...Thanks for you comments...BB

[BB1968]

Come on guys, I know some of ya'll have an opinion. Good or bad makes no difference. Just want to know what you think...BB

[steve]

better pics would help....looks kinda messy/carbon for only 8000k. running rich ??

[firebirdcrazy1959]

All the pictures are too dark.

[vertbird]

Was there a reason you tore it back down? Only thing I see, could be like Steve said, maybe more carbon than 8K would normally show.

[johnta1]

Did you rebuild it or someone else?

For 8000 miles, it looks really coked up.
The lifter area looks like the oil wasn't changed any. (course might be just the pics)
The oil(?) dripping down the head looks really black.

The heads look like the guides may be bad.

But the pics aren't the best. Didn't try to lighten them up any.

[goatasaurus rex]

looks rich and oily

[Eighttime]

8k, fresh rebuild, and you've got it apart already?! Maybe you should tell US what is wrong with it. Come on man, you gotta be straight with us, what'd you do? LOL

[BB1968]

You guys are right in what you have said. It was running a little rich until I got one of Cliff's carbs, and the reason I tore it back down was I wanted to fill the exhaust crossovers and I know that the machine shop I used cut the valves and seats at 45 degees. After the cam break in I changed the springs to the comp 995's and I think I pinched some of the valve stem seals. I also checked the install height of the springs and they are 1.605-1.653. The springs from the best I can understand are supposed to be at 1.7. Does this install height and the 45 degree cut on the valves need to be fixed before I reinstall? The reason the oil is so black is I run the Rotella 15w40 and it cleans everything. The oil was changed after 500, 3000, 6000, and is due one now. Guys I do take care of the engine and would never abuse it by not changing the oil...Thanks for all the comments...I have lightened the pics and maybe you guys can see them better..BB

[PunchT37]

How tight was that 2`nd top bolt on the LH head? Looks like some steam might have been getting in there cleaning those 2 pistons?

[68WarDog]

Something does not sound right. IIRC the 995's has an install height of 1.71,which requires the seats to be machined and shimmed. Who did your heads?

[BB1968]

68 war dog, It was a local guy. I should have known better, cause he mostly does chebys. There is a guy about 30 miles from here that I am going to take the heads to and have them redone. He has been doing Pontiac stuff for many years. They are 6X-8 heads so I don't want to loose them. Finding Pontiac parts around here is like pulling hens teeth. It is next to impossible. I am 1 of about 5 Pontiac drivers in this area...

PunchT37, I didn't get the torque on any of the head bolts I used an impact wrench to take the bolts out, however I do remember that one of the bolts on the left side was much looser than the others. I didn't have any problems with overheating even in the summer when the outside temp would get to the mid to high 90's.

Thanks to all you guys. I do appreciate the comments...BB

[lust4speed]

I would think that the heads would also reflect any failure of the head gasket and I don't see any sign of this. I would attribute it more to the rings on that piston allowing enough blowby to keep the piston clean in these areas.

Since the intakes have been cut to 45 degrees - just leave them at that angle after checking the soundness of the valve job. Exhaust valves are all 45 degrees anyway so no problem. The steeper angle on the intakes will cost you a little at low lifts, but will more than make up for the loss at higher lifts.

[Jack Gifford]

And- to change back to 30` seats, you'll wind up sinking the valves pretty deeply into those valuable heads- unless you go for seat inserts.

[vertbird]

BB1968, just one tip....it's always better to loosen the head bolts gradually and in the same order as they are tightened. Taking out one bolt all the way then moving on to the next etc. can result in slightly warped heads. Ask me how I know!

[BB1968]

Vertbird, thanks for the suggestion. I did however start in the middle and work my way out. I didn't start at the front and take the out.

lust4speed and PJ, thanks I am glad to hear this. Now the only thing I have to get done is the springs installed at the proper height...BB