2.4 head concern

[wowzer]

started assembling my 2.4 and ran into a couple issues with the head. first one has to do purely with ignorance. i ordered a rebuild kit from Modern Performance (MP). didn't realize it included the SRT head gasket vs the regular DOHC one.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p05rvlu0tm...811_194209.jpg

oh well. i think you can pick up the standard oem mls for 30 bucks or so.

the next issue i need input on. i have both the regular 2.4 stratus head as well as a 2.0 420a head i wanted to use do to the reversed intake/exhaust setup.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cgb77hox0h...811_193850.jpg

2.4 is on top. if you look closely at the 420a head on the bottom you will see pitting at the small holes.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mv643u82gg...809_181230.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9ep8ed8nq...809_181201.jpg

my concern is whether this pitting will keep the head from sealing properly? the pits are fairly deep and don't know if milling will take them completely out. should i just punt and get a new 420a head? i suppose I could use the 2.4 head if i had to since it appears to be in good shape. (the block it came off of was it great shape. just did a very light ball hone on it.)

suggestions?

[contraption22]

That pitting is not good. I'd find another head to use.

[turbovanman²]

I don't think that pitting will be a concern, it looks like its just a coolant path anyway and the firing ring area is clear. Look at the gasket, is there coolant travel?

[wowzer]

i'll take a look. found 2 420a heads in the junk yard for $40 ea. that i'm going to pull this weekend as alternatives.

[turbovanman²]

$40? Damn. What a steal.

[MechanicsPerformance]

If you end up not needing the 420a heads I'll buy one or both from you if needed! It's what I run!

[wowzer]

well - pulled the one head today off a 97 eclipse. looks great. 40 bucks. also took the full 2 piece intake with rail for 25. pretty good deal. the other 420a is in a 95 avenger with front end damage so the engine is pinched pretty tight. took me 4 hours to pull the head off the eclipse. it was a bastard trying to undue the bolts from the timing belt end with the engine in the car. finally put a jack under the engine and tried to lift it up and forward to help. also used my sawzall to cut the timing belt and timing cover off. tired me out. must be an easier way. not going to pursue the other one for right now. it is even a tighter space on timing belt end.