Is this head even usable?

[iTurbo]

I have a TIII head that I would like to send out to be fixed. It has the typical core plug crack which I know can be fixed, but the cam bores don't look so good. Here are some pics:

http://www.turbosedan.com/spirit/DSC03739.JPG
http://www.turbosedan.com/spirit/DSC03740.JPG
http://www.turbosedan.com/spirit/DSC03741.JPG
http://www.turbosedan.com/spirit/DSC03742.JPG

The scraping is not very deep, but some are enough to catch a fingernail on. Can it be honed, or would oversize cam bearings have to be fitted? How expensive would that be to have done?

[zin]

If the scratches just barely catch a fingernail, I'd guess that it could be honed, but it would have a higher amount of oil throw-off, I don't know if that would be a real problem or not, but I would think that there would at least be a bit more windage losses.

Installing cam bearings might be a way to go, but the webbing looks a little thin, the machining required might make it too thin. If that's the case you could try having the cam journals ground down and use "undersized" bearings. Seems like a lot of work either way if it won't clean-up.

Mike

[turbovanman²]

Those are too deep, it will cost you oil pressure. A bearing insert if available or welded up and cut down to spec.

[iTurbo]

Well crap. I don't think I will ever buy a used TIII head again unless I can see it in person first. Bought two; burned twice.

(EDIT) Anybody think they can fix this head (including the crack)? I may send it to Absolute Auto Machine in Kansas. I have more money into this head than I care to admit, but hate to cut my losses just yet.

[86Shelby]

I'm still looking into finding bearing inserts. I'm in the same boat. Over $1500 in a head that turned out to be warped and wrecked the cam bores & journals similar to that.

[Lotashelbys]

Dont throw away heads that need "cam bearings" yet. I was talking with Cindy for quite a while on this and we devised a plan for them. It just depends on when either of us will have time to do something with it.

[supercrackerbox]

Keep us posted.

Not that I've got any TIII issues, but I'm sympathetic to your collective cause.

[iTurbo]

+1. That would be great if it works out. I would be glad to provide the guinea pig.

[omnigoestohell]

I've got a few heads with this problem too, hadn't decided whether or not to use them yet, am very interested if somebody finds a solution.

[turbovanman²]

Well never fear guys, I am working on it, I need to fix one head with bad cam journals, it should take me a couple weeks to figure it out.