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What's a head worth?

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Gliderman8

Gliderman8

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I am looking to pickup a spare head for my TR6. I know a guy that removed one from a car 10 years ago and he was "going to restore the car". Long story short is that he never restored the car, and head has sat in the trunk of the car for 10 years (car parked outside). The engine had 92,000 miles on it when he removed it.
The seller has no idea as to the price (nor do I) he said "make me an offer". Since I know this guy, I don't want to come in with a low-ball price, but rather something that is fair to the both of us.
So, my question is: What is a fair price for the head in the condition it is in?
 
A head with that many miles and not properly stored, will need to be re-built including the rocker assembly. That could easily cost you north of $350. Scrap cast iron goes for around $300 per ton, or 15 cents per pound. That said, if your car has an early head and this is a later model head, there is some value there. If he were a friend of mine, and I only wanted it as a spare, I would offer him $50.
 
Make sure you get the right head. Pre '72 VS later dual exhaust. For an unknown condition head $50 is about max.
 
Thanks guys for the great advice. My car is a '73 and this head is also a '73. I will be sure to make sure it is dual exhaust.
Ray- I am pretty sure that the rockers are not on the head but you are right, the head would probably have to be rebuilt anyway. I'll go with the $50 and see what he says. Really, he just wants it out of there!
 
tdskip said:
I recently bought a rebuild/machined TR4a head for $350 and though I got a pretty decent deal
Click to expand...

Does he have any more at that price?
 
Gliderman8 said:
Thanks guys for the great advice. My car is a '73 and this head is also a '73. I will be sure to make sure it is dual exhaust.
Ray- I am pretty sure that the rockers are not on the head but you are right, the head would probably have to be rebuilt anyway. I'll go with the $50 and see what he says. Really, he just wants it out of there!
Click to expand...

The exhaust ports didn't change over the years. The intake port spacing did.
 
Gliderman8 said:
Thanks guys for the great advice. My car is a '73 and this head is also a '73. I will be sure to make sure it is dual exhaust.
Ray- I am pretty sure that the rockers are not on the head but you are right, the head would probably have to be rebuilt anyway. I'll go with the $50 and see what he says. <span style="font-weight: bold">Really, he just wants it out of there</span>!
Click to expand...

Bring a six pack of his favorite beer, open a couple, then offer him $25. :cheers:
 
swift6 said:
The exhaust ports didn't change over the years. The intake port spacing did.
Click to expand...
So how will I know what to look for as far as intake spacing to make sure it fits my '73?
 
Its funny to me how the title of your post reminded me of my trip to Amsterdam...
 
I've picked up heads for less and more than $25. Depends on condition and availability. $25-$50 if bone stock.
R
 
Is he parting out the rest of the car? Just curious. I dont need anything but some of the other guys may.
 
Gliderman8 said:
swift6 said:
The exhaust ports didn't change over the years. The intake port spacing did.
Click to expand...
So how will I know what to look for as far as intake spacing to make sure it fits my '73?
Click to expand...

Measure the distance between the intake ports at their closest point. The wide head will be 7/8" and is what is on your '73. The narrow head will measure 9/16", or so says Roger Williams.
 
Guy walks into a bar and asks for a 'Headworth'.

Bartender says "What's a Headworth?".

Guys says about 25 to 50 bucks if it's a TR6.
 
Ray- Thanks for the technical info.
I just knew the title of this thread was going to bring out some unsavory thoughts!

Geo- I bet you meant to post "that joke" in the humor section :laugh: Thanks for the creative way to price it.

By the way.... this guy has TWO TR's sitting in his driveway for the last ten years. No, he is not interested in parting them out, but he is interested in moveing one or both of them for a reasonable price.
 
The factory re-spaced the ports(i think) to make room for the EGR port,the late 71 and 72 cars had a pad that was not drilled out,late 72/73 were drilled and had a valve.This is a tell at a glance difference.....
MD(mad dog)
 
Head update...
I did drive over and pick up the TR6 head today. Thanks guys for the pricing advice... I paid $50 for it and he was pleased.
Now, he has two TR's sitting on his driveway and wants them out of there. My estimation is that they are too far gone to restore BUT there is a load of parts to be had in addition to the engines and trannys.
PM me if you are interested and want his contact info.
 
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