Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi All

Have searched the forums a bit and found a few helpful threads on the topic but can't seem to find a resource for purchasing a new head.

The head on my 69 2000 is warped. Not terrible but seems enough to warrant replacing as it has been machined once or twice to the point there doesn't seem to be much room left. Would like to do this right so, rather than machine further and go with a thicker gasket as I saw mentioned in some other threads, would prefer to replace the head altogether.

Anyone have any experience with these guys?

http://www.datsunroadster.com/SUB_SECTI ... d_2000.htm

Or anyone have a head in good shape they might want to sell?

Thanks so much
erol

Rallye is well known and respected vendor. There have been some contact-ability issues mentioned lately, but you can be pretty confident doing business with them or any of the vendors listed in the Vendor list app.php/page-vendor-list

Thanks for the speedy reply!

I will likely reach out to them about a used head as I see they have a number of them that seem to be in reasonably good shape and aren't going to break the bank. http://www.datsunroadster.com/SUB_SECT_ ... d_2000.htm

This one for example is the most expensive they have at $475:
http://www.datsunroadster.com/PIC_PAGES ... U11-36.htm

Or anyone have thoughts on spending the (much more) money on the aftermarket one?
http://www.datsunroadster.com/PIC_PAGES ... 110-23.htm

Thanks again
Erol

That isn't an aftermarket head. It is NOS.

Ah ok thank you. I must have misread on the site.

Are we talken human ...or cylinder ?

Haha both of course

Have you measured the warpage ?
Decades ago I worked on a R16 for a woman at my home , and head gasket turned into a warped head .couldn't mill it that much & not finding a straighten er
I ended up using 2 soft thick head gaskets aviation sealered together over torque a bit , told her if it fails you need a good head ,. Tried it mostly to get the car out of my shop, she drove it for years after no probs ....a 2nd car

What about straightening it?
I've seen stainless plates straightened so would think it might be possible.
If not perfectly flat, at least within. 010 to .015 and then cut it flat.
Dan
.

Good advice thank you both. I need to get measurements and see what kind of shape it’s in before shopping for a new one! Will come back with updates. Thanks.

Hi all, back again and looks like I'm going to have to get a new head after all.

As it comes empty, wondering if I should reuse the items I have (valves, springs, rockers. etc) I have or if these are wear items that should be replaced?

If the latter, any recommendations for valves? I've seen some stainless sets being offered in the New Reproduction Parts section here: viewtopic.php?f=61&t=28093 but not sure if there are better options I should look at.

Cam seems to be fine so can reuse that. Other than that, if anyone has any other suggestions of things to do while we have the head off, would appreciate the help! Very new to cars so still trying to figure things out here...

Thanks
Erol

Sounds like you bought an NOS head?

Yes, The SS valves are really nice. You can re-use your springs if they test well( machine shop can test them) or if you are worried about them, just replace.

If the cam is not beat up, it can be polished- your machine shop can do that if they can polish a crank, but your rocker wipe surfaces need to be free of pits and wear grooves. If they are pristine, keep them numbered and matched to the individual cam lobe.

If the rockers are 1-piece, you may want to buy new or reground, since once the chrome is compromised, you are into the base metal and wear/destruction is very rapid. I can post some photos if needed.

Reground 1-piece rockers are junk since the chrome is gone by definition and spray-on moly coatings will only last briefly due to the extremely high point loading.

lash pads can be re-used if not badly gouged. Naturally we have any of these parts you may need-call/text/email if you need any guidance!

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. Haven't got a head yet...still hoping I find a used one in decent shape and avoid spending more than I want to on a NOS one.

Unfortunately the head is at the shop so I can't check re the rockers but any idea if possible to tell from these pictures? They're all I have handy at the moment.

https://imgur.com/a/QBIPDGs

Will most likely get the SS valves just to get that taken care of.

Thanks again

So yes, the cam looks pretty good from what I can see.

Those look like two piece rockers, so that is probably good too.

The red and yellow marks showing differences in the adjuster height may be indicative of either poorly re-ground rockers or variations in valve stem height. Both are common due to bad machine work. You could also have a mix of replaced and re-ground rockers. May not be a huge concern though if the cam wipe is ok.

How thick is the head now?

Good news.

Head is unfortunately 4.51 which based on what I’ve read here, is past the point of saving? I have another head I got from someone on the Facebook group that is warped as well (.006) but I’ll try to measure tomorrow to see if it has room to mill.