The Ford Barn

bbrocksr · 02-12-2011, 03:20 PM

Anybody know how much I can mill a pair of 37 heads without measuring first? I would like to get these heads ready before I pull the old the old heads off. Its a stock engine and I don't think these heads have ever been milled. I know the safe way is to measure first.
Thanks, Bill

Slick Willy · 02-12-2011, 03:39 PM

I believe its max .060" inches off of stock. I am sure there are other aspects to take into consideration as well, and I am by far not an expert.

Karl Wolf · 02-12-2011, 04:15 PM

Wait, you don't know without looking and measuring... If it has been rebuilt, piston domes can be different shaped... And whoever is advising may have dealt with a different situation than you have... Karl

Henry/Kokomo · 02-12-2011, 06:49 PM

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Checking piston-to-head clearance is the only safe way. I've used the aluminum foil ball method with great success. Bear in mind, you don't know if the block has been decked or not, if the pistons have stock height domes are not, etc. etc. You really don't want to take a chance on having clearances too close. I'd shoot for .050" clearance. Both "'Ol Ron" and "JWL", who post here regularly, have written excellent books on engine building. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of each.

My $.02 worth. Good Luck!

02-12-2011, 03:20 PM	#1
bbrocksr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Yakima Washington Posts: 913	Milling 37 heads Anybody know how much I can mill a pair of 37 heads without measuring first? I would like to get these heads ready before I pull the old the old heads off. Its a stock engine and I don't think these heads have ever been milled. I know the safe way is to measure first. Thanks, Bill

02-12-2011, 03:39 PM	#2
Slick Willy Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Marshfield, MA Posts: 60	Re: Milling 37 heads I believe its max .060" inches off of stock. I am sure there are other aspects to take into consideration as well, and I am by far not an expert.

02-12-2011, 04:15 PM	#3
Karl Wolf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mill Valley,Ca. Posts: 1,509	Re: Milling 37 heads Wait, you don't know without looking and measuring... If it has been rebuilt, piston domes can be different shaped... And whoever is advising may have dealt with a different situation than you have... Karl

02-12-2011, 06:49 PM	#4
Henry/Kokomo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kokomo, Indiana Posts: 1,731	Re: Milling 37 heads Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Checking piston-to-head clearance is the only safe way. I've used the aluminum foil ball method with great success. Bear in mind, you don't know if the block has been decked or not, if the pistons have stock height domes are not, etc. etc. You really don't want to take a chance on having clearances too close. I'd shoot for .050" clearance. Both "'Ol Ron" and "JWL", who post here regularly, have written excellent books on engine building. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of each. My $.02 worth. Good Luck!

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