LS Valve Seal Tool Instead of using an ill-fitting socket to install the valve seals on an LS engine, I took a piece of round stock from the turning center and used a lathe to drill a hole to match the seal size. The tool securely holds the valve seal, but without...

SURFACE PLATE ADAPTER Some cylinder heads, like small block Mopars, have the intake manifold bolt holes at a slight angle from the manifold flange. This makes it hard to mount on our surfacing machine milling plate because, when you tighten up the mounting studs...

PICKING UP STEM HEIGHT When working on GM cylinder heads like the LS series, that have a short tip length, you may need to have the valve shortened for correct stem height. The valve tip may set below the retainer. I use my Sunnen cap grinder to remove .020 from top...

LESS IS MORE Many of us that resurface cylinder heads are use to mounting cylinder heads on a milling bar or clamping fixture and then leveling them to the machine. Most modern heads, and some older ones have the valve cover rail machined parallel with the deck...

HALF VALVE GAUGE I cut old valves in half to make a quick tool, when doing valve jobs. It is quicker than dividers or lapping. When installed in the head, you can see exactly where the valves are seating. Scott Ouellette Powerplay Automotive Machine Wilmington, MA...

DON’T BUST THAT GUIDE If you’ve been having problems breaking off the end of a valve guide, on the spring end of the guide, when installing thin wall guides, I may have a solution. I machine from the spring cup side of the head instead of the valve seat side. You will...