This came from the Ram list.
Bernd, you heard anything about this?
What scares me is his claim of 8 cracks and other problems with the stock
heads!
John
http://jndneff.home.texas.net/dakota/dakota.html
> Here's a repost of info on valve stem height problems on Magnum aluminum
and
> cast iron R/T heads from another board that might be worth keeping an eye
out
> for if you are swapping heads:
>
> =======
> Norm Couturier
> Location: Fredericton, NB Canada
>
> Did you just buy the heads new from Mopar? If so, before sending them to
the
> machine shop, check the valve installed heights. Ensure that they are all
the
> same (or within 1/64" or so). If you haven't got the gear to measure, take
> them to a local machine shop or dealer and get them measured - only takes
a
> minute or so. Installed height spec is on the spec sheet with the heads.
>
> Reason: After junking the stock heads on my '99 RAM (worst piece of cast
> anything I've ever seen), I ordered the Magnum Aluminum heads. Stupid
move.
> They don't fit like the specs say they do. Exhaust port shapes are wrong.
> However, the main point is that the installed heights of the intake vs.
the
> exhaust valves varied by over 1/8". Yes, 1/8"!! All the intake seats were
> milled in too far. No machine shop in the world could fix that mess.
Luckily,
> we only had a couple of hours of porting started before we thought "hmm,
they
> don't look right...". Mopar pleaded ignorance. Magnum performance centre
> claimed "yes, we've had many similar complaints...". They took them back.
>
> The second set were the R/T Big Valve (2.05") assemblies - factory ported
> (extrusion honed) loaded with double springs and valves. No two valves
were
> seated at the same height (although no more that 1/32" short in the worst
> cylinder), seats were half-ass at best. Three different types of spring
locks
> used. Almost sent them back, but, after 9 weeks of downtime waiting for
good
> parts to arrive, we did our measurements, dismantled the heads and started
> re-seating and porting. Everything came out A-1. Lotsa labor, though. If
> you're paying though - not so fun.
>
> By far, the worst quality junk I've ever seen. If the heights are off on
your
> heads (especially on the long side), send 'em back.
>
> p.s. My stock factory Magnum heads - after 20K (no abuse), 8 cracks, 3
crooked
> exhaust valve guides (milled that way at the factory), resulting in those
> valves not seating evenly and leaking from day 1. One intake valve
different
> than the rest (different dome and seat profile). Heads have cast guides
> (non-servicable). One broken spring. Reversion on 6 intakes valves due to
> insufficient seat pressure. No wonder there's no power in the stock motor.
> 'Nuf said.
>
> Hope I didn't scare ya - Norm
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