Should I buy correct dated heads

[Stewart A.]

Cylinder head dates are not judged and the dates are hidden. So why am I having a hard time with this. My whole car is correctly dated so far and I'm having a hard time dicing over correct dates on the cylinder heads. I have located a pair of perfect dates but are a trillion dollars. I can buy a set for next to nothing that are one month the wrong way, next to nothing I mean $1000 machined and ready to bolt on. What do you think I should do. Stewy

[Edward M.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

While they are not judged, you can see the date code on one head by removing the oil cap (on some years cars).

Keep looking, heads always come up. Good luck.

[Roy B.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

What's a trillion dollars now day ? Nothing!! you'll never see it or any one els like our Government spending.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

I would buy the set that is dated close to your car.
don't install them - but keep looking for the perfect match.

This way you can sell or trade the other set when you find the exact ones you need.
It is a way of hedging against the rapidly rising prices which have become so common in this hobby.

EDIT - - Although this WAS a great strategy years ago - unfortunately it may be too late now - Or not?
I've had a lot of luck with this system over the years.
I tend to stock up on replacement parts for my cars - boy am I glad I did.

[Jim D.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

You're right, they aren't judged. Can't see the numbers without pulling the valve cover. If you came across a correct set at a decent price, then go for it, but don't spent a ton of money on them. I bought a set of rebuilt, correctly dated 692's off E-Bay for $150 delivered. Even at that price, I was hesitant.

[Steven N.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

The prices I see on an every day price is about $450 for a matched set, unrestored. then you add the going rate to rebuild a set of heads for $350 to $450 with new hardened seats. His price is not too far away from those figures. Try to bargain from that level.Several builders now want $1500 for a finished set of heads........Good luck....

[Steven B.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

Be thankful you don't have Flint 997's.

I would also get the heads that are one month off and trade. It just depends which you would rather have, correctly dated major parts or $$$.

[Tom H.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

I think date issue is important to you. You will be happier and more satisfied with the correctly dated parts.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

I forgot to mention I live in Australia so trading parts is not going to happen. I already have a set of fuely heads sitting here I don't know what to do with.

Secondly 692 heads don't come along every day. Only a couple of years of manufacturing. When I tell them I'm from the other side of the world they don't want to know about me !! It's all to hard for the seller.

Thirdly heads are very heavy and incur a pretty hefty shipping bill. A second set will cost far to much to have put aside, money can be spent better elsewhere. So I still have my dilemma either fork out the big bucks or buy a none dated pair for a reasonable price. I suppose it is a major part in the car so dates would be the way to go ?
The engine hoarders are all asking $950 - $1200 for a bare crack tested set, they seem to have enough of them to have great dates. Shipped over here and after taxes with machine work will owe me around $2500. Are they really worth that much !! Stewy

[Mike M.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

Guday, Mate
Sounds like you are a purist (like me), so, you absolutely must have the "Real Thing"

Just a thought with the Convention coming up.
Thinking out loud and it may be a little late, but, here goes.....
Line up a reasonably priced set here and have one or two of your fellow countrymen bring them back for you.
I don't know what the extra baggage rates are to Australia, but, perhaps it would be cost effective to buy two small carry on bags to accomodate the heads, check them and pay the charge for two extra bags.
Perhaps someone else can contribute to this line "Creative Thinking"
HaND

[Stewart A.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

I'm not sure customs would approve of that method ? I'll look into it. Thanks mate !!

[Mike M.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

Good luck, Stewy
I just come up with the ideas, you guys have to figure out how to make them work.
HaND

[Christopher R.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

Do I understand you correctly? Incorrectly (by 1 month) dated heads are $1000, and correctly dated ones are $2500? Other than the dates, they're the same.

Don't ask this question here. There's other nutty people here who have to think about their answer. Ask normal people. Ask your friends. There's only one sensible answer.

Look, if it makes you happy, spend the money. Yeah, it's dumb. But it's better than drugs, women, alcohol, boats, planes, golf, lawns, and sure fire stock tips that people usually spend their money on.

If you travel to the U.S., look up how European car guys get their U.S. car parts home. I've seen and heard of wild stuff. Carry on all kinds of greasy car parts. I've seen guys in the check in line with body parts in cartons.

[Loren L.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

You may already have come in contact with someone who has your heads, but you don't know it and neither do they because you haven't told us what heads and what dates are acceptable.

[Cecil L.]

Re: Should I buy correct dated heads

Also keep in mind that those heads were also use on any 60 powerpack (4 barrel) 283 full size chevy. There are still plenty of them out there in abandoned/rusty,project cars sitting in the weeds, especially 4 door sedans. Don't just look for Corvette parts.