Small block Chevrolet head thickness question ???

Hey,

Is there an easy way to tell how much has been surfaced/milled off of a SBC cylinder head ??

A place on the head to measure ??

The orignial thickness from the factory ??

Just wanting to find a way to see if used heads have enough meat
on them for a project engine.

Thanks in advance,
BC

 

Check the casting number to establish what they are originally from and you'll then know what the OEM chamber volumes were. Provided the heads haven't been worked, just CC the chambers.

 

mgtstumpy,

Thanks for the idea.

I was hoping that there was a way to measure what I have
heard called the "thumbprint" to see how much material was left.

That way when I am out or at a swap meet a quick measure
with the caliper can tell me if the set of heads are still
serviceable.

Best,
BC

 

I think you use the calipers on a head bolt boss to the milled surface. Sorry, I don't know the spec but somebody's gotta know on here.

 

Better do what stumpy said and measure the "thumbprint" with a burette. Its a good thing to know your compression ratio xxxactly, then you KNOW where to go from there with cam selection and fuel requirements + it just feels good to know ---

 

I doubt you could do a reading at a swap meet accurately. Easy to do once you've got them home, but then it's too late.