Just did my first port job... Nicked a little bit...

[jenkins71]

Hey guys, so I just started my first ever port job, using the Mopar templates on a set of 915 heads. I did all the "heavy grinding" today with rotary files, and when my sanding rolls come in the mail I'll finish it up and smooth everything out.

I did cut tiny bits into the 45* seat a bit here and there, but I'm hoping that's okay, maybe with a little lapping it'll be fine?

Overall I think it went pretty well. HOWEVER, at the end of about 6 hours of work, I finished everything up by chamfering the edges of the combustion chambers and my arm went WONKY and the burr slid over the edge!

please tell me this is okay. Check the pics.

 

[Garys1969RR]

The nick shouldn't affect the seal. Read some articles on porting big block heads, in Mopar Muscle magazine, and carry on!

 

[jenkins71]

Yeah, i figured... should i try to smooth it out?

 

[jenkins71]

You think its okay I kinda nicked my seats a tiny bit? Or like, ate into them.

 

[66Satellite47]

Looks to me like you just got into the bottom cut not the "seal" cut. Use some lapping compound to make sure which cut is which.

 

[mentor70]

i would prolly resurface the heads anyway, you should have them CCed to correct your compression.

and i would add hardened seats to the exhaust, so that would fix any nicks on the valve seats.

i loved playing with that kit, after one set of heads, you really dont need the templates any more.

 

[jenkins71]

Yeah, the kit was helpful. After doing a few ports you kind of realize how to cut it without the templates, and just sort of go at it and then double check your work. It took a long time, but with headphones on was kind of fun!

As for the hardened seats, i already had them put in. The inserts are kind of bulky below the seal area, and leave a bit of a "shelf" in some spots, so you definitely want to trim the excess off them during the porting process.

 

[Cranky]

Looks like you might be using a bit of a heavy hand. Go gingerly along the edges. If these are the first heads you ever done, then you are treading dangerously. Start out using a junk head (or one that you don't care about) and practice practice practice. Try different cutting bits and place the heads where they are comfortable for you to work on them. After awhile, you'll become much quicker and won't be making the rookie mistakes. Happy grinding!

 

[HawkRod]

One comment on smoothing out the ports.

When I ported my heads years ago, I was told that the exhausts should be as smooth as possible. However, the intake ports should be kept rough. Why? On the intake ports you have fuel vapor and air rushing into the combustion chamber. The rough surface on the ports keeps the flow turbulent and avoids some of the fuel becoming small droplets again. This made good sense to me, so that is what I did on my heads...

 

[jenkins71]

Oh another quick comment-- you see where the slit on the head gasket goes for the water port? Is that right??!??

 

[bm02tj]

Yes it vents the air locks out so the water will circulate

 

[jenkins71]

Why isn't it just a big round hole to match the coolant passage port?

 

[miller]

Too much of a good thing?

Suggestion. Drop your valves into place (even with the springs on board), and leak check 'em. Do the belly up bit. Simply pour alcohol, or kerosene, into each 'bowl', and watch for leaks. If it does leak, you know you have a prob with that bowl, and need to fix it.
Even if you have to re-cut the 45, to get it to seal...so be it. Work with the hole to get the in range spring installed height, and be done with it. Done deal.