Hardened valve seats

[amartin83]

Has anyone experienced exhaust valve seat recession on these engines (without hardened seats) by not running leaded gas? I may need to do a head gasket on a '66 Mustang in the near future and was wondering how necessary it is and that if I should have the seats replaced. I don't drive the car more than 10,000 miles a year, and when I do its just regular driving, no towing or severe duty. For all the talk about hardened valve seats there doesn't seem to b much concrete proof on it.

Aaron

 

[MustangSix]

I have a C9 and a C6 head that have the exhaust valves pounded into the seats. It is a real problem and needs to be addressed if you intend to use this as a driver. It is not something that will happen suddenly. The seats erode over time and will be noticably worn at 50-60k miles.

If you are like some antique car guys and only drive the car 1000-1500 miles a year, it could take some time for the problem to occur, and a lead substitute can be used to prevent the problem in the first place. But adding that stuff every week can get expensive and is a chore.

 

[weeds]

And adding all that lead substitute will ruin the catalytic conveter 8)

 

[CobraSix]

If you have the head off, and are planning on keeping that head awhile, I would put hardened valve seats on.

Don't have to worry about cats on your car though.

Slade

 

[weeds]

I was kidding, by the way.

I had hardened seats installed in the truck when it was convenient. Added about $100 to the cost of the valve job.

 

[wsa111]

AARON, IF YOU HAVE THE HEAD OFF,DEFINETELY INSTALL THE HARDENED VALVE SEATS. WSA111