Fellow Brickheads,
I am to a point where I am ready to drop in my first 240 head into my new B23F wagon. I removed the 398 BCP (big coolant passages) head, replaced it with a 530 SCP (small coolant passages) head that I harvested at the Pull-A-Part. The machinist said it looked nearly new, was not warped and needed no valve grind or milling. He took it apart, cleaned it, pressure checked it and sanded the mating surface. Head - $50, cleaning - $50 = $100.
This 530 will give much more protection against coolant and fire ring infiltration given the increased amount of metal between the two passages. I replaced rear heater hoses, cleaned the breather box, resoldered broken knock sensor spade, and replaced accessory bushings. I think I'm ready to bolt the head on now.
One thing that's got me somewhat apprehensive has to do with cleaning out the block bolt holes. I've read enough to realize the importance of clean holes for accurate torque readings. I've priced some thread restoring tools on the net but am hesitant about plunking down the bucks for such a limited use tool. I've read about cutting slots in old headbolts for use as debris collectors as well as using wire rifle-cleaning brushes. Any other thoughts/ideas before I take the plunge? Sorry about length of post. Thanks!
Jim