stdyhand

A friend of mine said one of his family members is giving him a set of 190cc procomp heads (yes the Chinese heads). Hes not buying them and obviously isn't going to turn them down since their free to him. From what I understand one of the heads suffered a broken spring and from what I've read on some OLD threads this is not uncommon for these cheaper heads. I recommended he upgrade the valvetrain on the heads, assuming there was no damage to the castings. However, I've read a lot about these heads using Chevy parts for the valvetrain.

Has anyone used procomp heads and know which parts of the valvetrain are actually GM parts?

If certain parts are GM then I'm assuming he can't just buy a spring kit from TFS or Crane.

AdderMk2

Tell him to drop them off at a machine shop to have them checked out. Also tell him to have the machine shop do a full guide and seat replacement on ALL of the valves.

stdyhand

I don't know the extent of the damage except a spring broke. He says it wasn't bad, but I have to wonder since hes getting them for free. They may be Chinese made but if the castings are good then their still worth something. I don't know any family members I like well enough to just give anything to for free

Nevertheless I figure he'll fork out the money to get the work you mentioned since it will be his only investment in these, except the valvetrain components.

If anyone has info on which components are GM I'd appreciate the info. I'm doubting most shops around here are familiar with it.

AdderMk2

I can almost assure you that any machine shop he brings them to... can figure it out.

and my posted information wasnt a suggestion. he NEEDS to do that stuff

BlessedHellride

I have a set of these heads. It put me in the 11's on motor only with mild timing on pump gas. I did however run into issues with the valve springs getting weak and all 8 exhaust valves tapped the pistons. Bent a couple valves, thank god I had no damage otherwise. I took them to my machine shop and had everything changed in them. Along with a butt ton of port work and he also unshrouded the valves in the combustion chamber. Should be good to go now.


I'd tell your buddy to go for it but make sure his pistons are clearanced correctly for the 2.02" valves.