I'm gonna do an intake/exhaust upgrade soon and was wondering a few things-
1. Someone said I should have the head milled (just a surfacing), while I have the intakes off. Is this worth the extra labor?
2. I have a '64 and it has the spark plug tubes. I think they are leaking right now. Can I get replacement o rings or should I get a newer head that doesn't have them?
3. If I get the head milled, how much do I have to mess with the valves (take them out, change springs)? Do I need special tools for this?
4. Anything else concerning the head I'm forgeting?
Thanks for all y'alls input !

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"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

If the head is original to your engine you shouldn't have to plane it unless the deck and head are way out of spec. (need a machinists straight edge and drag a long feeler gauge through in spots to check the 'warp'.

If your head has never had the guides serviced and/or is a high miler motor, you may find one or more guides to be 'worn' and need replacing.
If you have to have the head rebuilt, now would be a good time to get that port job you've always wanted and use your upgrades better.

If you feel you need a 'BL' style head, and can't find a good one locally let me know I have one with a 1 year old valve job sitting in my garage. Shipping might be attrocious, but it'd make a good start, and I could use the $$$ more than the head.

-D.Idiot

Spark plug tube seals are availible. Use some sicky RTV around them when you put them back in.

I've always wondered if the O-rings on the spark plug tubes did anything special. Do they really have a purpose or are they just there to hold the tube against the head?

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

It is an oil seal... the oil from the valve train (and when you poor oil in your engine via valvecover opening) can splosh out of there otherwise. Leave take one off for a while and see how quick it'll start leaking