Buying used heads

Fooj

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So ive always wanted to get a set of 9threads (since mine has 4) and do the works to them over time and one day swap them out. I see them listed for sell on social media sites most of them are out of a old Lincoln or something. Spending 800-1000 on something that cant be seen is always an uneasy one.

My questions is what do i ask or even look for even though pictures? I a noob in this depart i got burnt long ago when i went to buy PI heads for my 98GT lol.
 

rymax101

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Look at the cam journals, sealing surfaces and any noticeable damage.

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03' White Snake

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You need C heads, not B heads. The Lincoln heads you are referring to are from a Lincoln Mark 8 and are B beads. The ports are different shape and will not work with a 03-04 cobra manifold.

You want to look for Mach 1 or Cobra heads. Do some research, they have casting numbers on the web which will tell you exactly what they are, 9 thread or not. You want to make sure there was no piston to valve contact, wasn't starved for oil as the cam journals will be scored.
 

hotcobra03

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scary
if I was to buy a set I would like to see they were tested at least

I had 4 thread issue on cyl 6
9 thread issue on cyl 6 ,had fixed than year or so later had issue again
had head tested to find cyl 7 cracked

replaced with the 3rd design
 

badcobra

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IMO, most of the 9 thread heads are WAY overpriced. Guys are picking them from Aviators in junkyards for $200/set. You can always have plug inserts done on 4 thread heads also. I picked up a set of DC's for $350 this year for a 2nd set. They are at my cylinder head guys right now getting the full treatment....new seats, big valves and full port etc.
 

MG0h3

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I may be mistaken but I thought I recall someone posting that 4threads with the insert can be just as reliable as a 9thread head?

I’ve seen a few sets of the DC heads out of junk yards have the cam journal wear. I wouldn’t buy a used set unless it was someone I knew or had to way to have them checked first


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coposrv

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You need C heads, not B heads. The Lincoln heads you are referring to are from a Lincoln Mark 8 and are B beads. The ports are different shape and will not work with a 03-04 cobra manifold.

You want to look for Mach 1 or Cobra heads. Do some research, they have casting numbers on the web which will tell you exactly what they are, 9 thread or not. You want to make sure there was no piston to valve contact, wasn't starved for oil as the cam journals will be scored.
Lincoln Aviators came with C heads.


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coposrv

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9 thread heads are over priced.


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Fooj

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Am I better off buying 4threads and insert thread plugs? Just feel like if it’s not done right you can run into issues with it? I agree shit ton of ppl trying to sell junk yard heads for like 1,500 it’s crazy
 

MG0h3

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Am I better off buying 4threads and insert thread plugs? Just feel like if it’s not done right you can run into issues with it? I agree shit ton of ppl trying to sell junk yard heads for like 1,500 it’s crazy

I’d call someone like Livernois or Modular head shop and get their opinion and quote


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2KblackGT

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03' White Snake

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Am I better off buying 4threads and insert thread plugs? Just feel like if it’s not done right you can run into issues with it? I agree shit ton of ppl trying to sell junk yard heads for like 1,500 it’s crazy

Years ago I had my heads upgraded at FoxLakeRacing. 12 thread inserts, new bronze guides, seals ect. Was around $3800 if I remember correctly. Not sure the going rate now but I believe and was told my the engine builder at the time my heads will be stronger than the 9 threaded version and will never have to worry about the plug coming out again. I just rebuilt my engine and inspected, cleaned up the heads and reused them. They looked great.

So there is no need to get locked down looking for 9 thread heads if you plan on having them upgraded anyway.
 

CobraBob

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I don't recommend buying used heads. Too expensive and risky. Send your heads to a good, reliable shop and have them do the inserts if you concerned about popping plugs.
 

TVS_Mach

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Been pondering this myself. Looked into a few aviators at local pick n pull yards. Can get a pair of heads for 88 $.

Looks like a pain to pull them though and its -15 Celsius.

Never understood used castings going for 700 +.

Having a set to work on and keep the car running is the trade off for me. Looks like the hunt is on for a junk yard set !
So ive always wanted to get a set of 9threads (since mine has 4) and do the works to them over time and one day swap them out. I see them listed for sell on social media sites most of them are out of a old Lincoln or something. Spending 800-1000 on something that cant be seen is always an uneasy one.

My questions is what do i ask or even look for even though pictures? I a noob in this depart i got burnt long ago when i went to buy PI heads for my 98GT lol.

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