Can I port & polish my own heads?

mycotopian · 08-28-2003, 09:35 AM

I found a cheap pair on ebay to try it on. that that way I minimize my downtime. I want to do a P&P and a performance rebuild on them. What else needs to be done while I have them apart. What are the best type of valves etc to put in there.

I have read several articles online that say its a piece of cake and only requires a dremel and some grindine stones is this true?

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rimpainter.com · 08-28-2003, 10:25 AM

I wouldnt mess with them. I would drop them off at a known pro and have them done. Its not worth the R&R only to find out you didnt do it right.

I just bored out my TB, and its not as easy as it looks with a dremel. I can only imagine how long it would take on a pair of heads.

MTL_4runner · 08-28-2003, 10:33 AM

It is definately not a piece of cake and takes a long time to do on iron heads (aluminum is much softer). You will go through a TON of grinding stones. The best way is to get a carbide bit (they are expensive) and an air grinder.....still takes a long time to do even with that setup. I would do what 96runner says and take it to a pro unless you just want to have fun and experiment.

I would suggest if you do go it yourself to just do the exhaust and leave the intake side alone. The rough surface (unless your turner your runner into a dragster) will help quite a bit on the torque department.

rimpainter.com · 08-28-2003, 10:36 AM

I am pretty sure we have aluminum heads and an iron block. Sorry if I misunderstood your response MTL...

just wanted to clear that up.

Zubaltec · 08-28-2003, 10:45 AM

First off don't even try to learn how to port on a head or set of heads that your going to plan on using. You'll find it a big waste of time. You won't get the ports to match without a flow bench. People who port head use electric drills not air tools. This way you can regulate the speed by a switch and not by feel or with your ear.

Just my .02.

Thanks,
John

MTL_4runner · 08-28-2003, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by <96 Runner>
I am pretty sure we have aluminum heads and an iron block. Sorry if I misunderstood your response MTL...

just wanted to clear that up.

Your totally right 96runner (we do have aluminum heads....din't mean to confuse anyone) so it will be a bit easier than iron, but as I am sure you can attest to aluminum can be tough to work with too because it doesn't self clear very well (in other words it likes to stick to the abrasive) when you sand it.

mycotopian, Just take it slow and you should be ok.

rimpainter.com · 08-28-2003, 11:06 AM

Cool, we were on the same page.

08-28-2003, 10:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
rimpainter.com Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,797	I wouldnt mess with them. I would drop them off at a known pro and have them done. Its not worth the R&R only to find out you didnt do it right. I just bored out my TB, and its not as easy as it looks with a dremel. I can only imagine how long it would take on a pair of heads. __________________ www.rimpainter.com Get your O Gasket Mod Here! My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

08-28-2003, 10:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
MTL_4runner Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montreal, QC Canada Posts: 8,807	It is definately not a piece of cake and takes a long time to do on iron heads (aluminum is much softer). You will go through a TON of grinding stones. The best way is to get a carbide bit (they are expensive) and an air grinder.....still takes a long time to do even with that setup. I would do what 96runner says and take it to a pro unless you just want to have fun and experiment. I would suggest if you do go it yourself to just do the exhaust and leave the intake side alone. The rough surface (unless your turner your runner into a dragster) will help quite a bit on the torque department. __________________ - Jamie 1996 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto Deckplate Mod, Hayden Tranny Cooler, Amsoil Air Filter, OME 881/906 N86C/N91SC Lift Best OBD II scan tool I have used!. .....and I am AMERICAN!

08-28-2003, 10:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
rimpainter.com Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,797	I am pretty sure we have aluminum heads and an iron block. Sorry if I misunderstood your response MTL... just wanted to clear that up. __________________ www.rimpainter.com Get your O Gasket Mod Here! My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

08-28-2003, 10:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
Zubaltec Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 306	First off don't even try to learn how to port on a head or set of heads that your going to plan on using. You'll find it a big waste of time. You won't get the ports to match without a flow bench. People who port head use electric drills not air tools. This way you can regulate the speed by a switch and not by feel or with your ear. Just my .02. Thanks, John __________________ 07 Tundra RCSB 5.7 SOLD-'99 SR5 Highlander- TRD SC, URD 2.1 pulley, Flex-a-lite fans, Edlbrock headers (ported, HPC, wrapped), test pipe, URD O2 simuiator, Borla exhaust, TRD thermo., NGK plug wires, URD/Splitsec FTC, Bilsteins, Addco w/ES bush., Volk TE37's on BFG gforce KDW's, URD Speed Unlimiter, IPT Valvebody,B&M trans. cooler, Trutrac w/4.88, JAOS Rear Wing, Hilux Surf clear corners, 96 bumper w/PP lower valance, Bushwacker fender flares 14.9 @ 89 and 19 mpg Titanmotorsports.com

08-28-2003, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
rimpainter.com Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 10,797	Cool, we were on the same page. __________________ www.rimpainter.com Get your O Gasket Mod Here! My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

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