[KevinC]

I need to replace a warped cylinder head. Two choices;

1) go with the Saab dealers second hand one, rebuilt in Germany where car is located/stranded Cost = 100%

2) The second hand one I have needs welding in three places, between the intake and exhaust valves. It also needs seven valve inserts replaced.
It is with a very competent specialist, CTM in Essex. They say they have welded many alumn Ford heads that have stood-up to many years of 25psi w/o trouble. Cost = 50%

Do I dare go with option number 2?

If I do go with number 2, should I bother and tranfer my cams/springs/valves from my warped 77k miles head to the repaired head which has w/in tolerance valves/springs/cams but 177k miles?

Any comments much appreciated.

 

[eggsngrits]

Wow, I have no idea what 100% is, but if the difference is less than, say $300, I would go with the better head. I'd just feel better about the car. With the welded/fixed one, I would always wonder.

I don't know how many dollars would justify the repaired one, but it would have to be very significant.

My $.02.

 

[REDTURBO84]

Hi , Option #3. Buy a use on at a wreckers with a flatness and crack free warrentee and have it checked at a machine shop .I have 40000 miles on a used pinned (not welded)head .(total cost $150.00 usd .) A good macinist can do miracles but used and perfect is best in my book .The head I had taken off my car was welded in 3 places before I bought the car. It just warped and cracked again. Pat

 

[KevinC]

Difference of 50% is $600 approx.


Maybe I need to get looking for another used head.

 

[jetman]

Holy, yeah! If I were staring down $1200 for a head, I'd start looking for a new car!

 

[KevinC]

Problem is there are not many perfect condition 9k Aeros w/ 77k miles for $1200...

 

[Marcos]

I'd go with option #3. I'm sure you can find a compatible head (with an engine underneath and a whole car around) for the $1200. As a bonus you could recoup some of your expense by parting out the rest of the car. IMHO.