Im looking at maybe buying a ported head but it is missing the cam caps.

If I were to source cam caps from another head would I need them line honed with the head? Wouldn't that increase the bore of the cam tunnel? Im not sure if cam caps clearances are as tight as main cap clearances.

 

Talked to a few local machine shops. Most dont have the tooling to hone a head. Others said its risky and could be very expensive depending on how it goes.

Are there any Head shops on here willing to help me out? Id rather send the head to a Honda shop who has done this before.

 

imo not worth it...dont buy it...unless u already did...its cheaper to buy a good head and sent it to rlz, CC,portflow....then getting a head with no caps..alignhone is 250 and if it makes the bore to big the cams might not get enough lubrication...i have to look but i think i have a set of cam caps...might be missing one of the corners...but i have cam sprayers also...

 

Ive learned thats not how its done. The bottom of the caps are milled and the tunnel is honed. So the hole wont be any bigger than what it was. The trick is finding cam caps that are on the same centerline.

 

thats the thing, you just need to get it aligned honed. as you said, the hardest part is finding a machine shop that will do it.

i would weigh your options comparing the two, i THINK the ported, aligned honed head would be cheaper but more work

 

I know its not recommend but I've swapped caps before and never had any issues.

 

i would try it if i had a spare head laying around....you can bolt/torque the caps in and can usually tell if they line up by feeling the edge...if they look like then line up then you can put a spare camshaft inside with some oil/lube and torque it down...if it turns freely you can be almost good to go...you can take it one final step by checking the clearances of all the journals with platigauge and make sure they are ok....

 

Thats what I wanted to try. A local engine shop said the same thing.

But what do I do if its off? Do I search for multiple sets of cam caps to try? A line hone can cost up to $500. Its a risk.

 

ya.....is it worth it? find another complete head?

how could someone sell the head without those caps?

 

i would recommend finding a shop who specializes in flathead ford restoration and they should be able to accomodate your align honing/boring needs