Aftermarket 6.5 Diesel Heads, non china, source?

**john8662** · 10-29-2009, 19:28

Going through my stash of cylinder heads but it's starting to look a little grim trying to find something my very picky machinist (but I like that actually) will work with.

So, I wanted to see about some Aftermarket castings that were NOT made in china. I had read somewhere that some were being made in Canada, but that might of just been an aftermarket block.

Please don't post about Clearwater, Alabama Cylinder Heads, or other that just sells the chinese stuff. Yes, Robyn, don't need no cheer leading for Clearwater in this thread.

Anyone know?

On the verge of also just ponying up and getting the AMG ones. I just hate to because the engine I'm trying to put together isn't a new (or bored and built) it's just a "Freshen up" and get the darn truck out the driveway deal. Gotta get the K3500 CC Dually running, need something that can haul the heavy things.

I've also considered the numerious companies out there that reman these heads in masses. I've contacted a few, but I didn't like the results as they all didn't perform the correct machine work on the heads. No use in buying a set of reman heads only to have to take them down to my local speed shop and have them made right (they also grumble about stuff like that too, fixing others' crap).

Thanks!

**rogers** · 10-29-2009, 20:55

You might look at SSDiesel for some heads. I bought some from him last summer. He swore they were made in the USA, Alabama I think. I can't say for the quality as I haven't taken them out of the boxes yet

. Just had other priorities. They look good sitting in the box though.

**john8662** · 10-29-2009, 22:22

ACH's heads country of origin is unknown, but I highly suspect China, as I've had a set of their heads. The heads are assembled here in the states using used valves and components. That's why they WANT the core back regardless of the condition of the casting.

When they first got in the game I saw a set on eBay pretty cheap, so I bought them. They had a no haggle return if I wasn't satisfied.

Well, I didn't like the machining on the surface of the heads, and the fact the precombustion ports were machined in the heads (with the surface grinder). They're not even stainless steel precups, who knows what they are. Probably that same pot metal crap that was used to make the GM heater quick connect fittings that breaks on every engine...

Anyways, I sent them back.

Now, there are about 10 different head shops selling different (or the same) reproduction heads.

The sales pitch is always the same too, "we increased the thickness in all the areas that crack to make them stronger." Ha, ha, ha! When you make the surfaces thicker that crack it can make the problem worse. From what I understand most cracking is due to uneven heat transfer, among other things.

They supposedly increased the thickness of the walls on the port that goes between the valves. Can't say this is the right move or not, but I suspect not. The crack always starts on the edge of the seat, exhaust valve primarily. So the cooling port being smaller isn't going to make any real difference, except that it'll take the crack longer until it get's to water. The crack will probably still occur. The real issue is the induction hardening on the seats, the crack starts here.

Rant off...

Still looking for Canada castings.

**rogers** · 10-29-2009, 22:46

Originally Posted by john8662

ACH's heads country of origin is unknown, but I highly suspect China, as I've had a set of their heads. The heads are assembled here in the states using used valves and components. That's why they WANT the core back regardless of the condition of the casting.

I'm sorry, who is ACH? SS doesn't ask for your heads. I am not trying to support SS, just trying clarify.

**john8662** · 10-30-2009, 06:35

Originally Posted by rogers

I'm sorry, who is ACH? SS doesn't ask for your heads. I am not trying to support SS, just trying clarify.

You mentioned he got them from Alabama, I read into that as being he probably gets them from Alabama Cylinder Heads (ACH).

J

**97-6.5TD-F** · 11-15-2009, 00:37

http://www.dieselservices.com/html/g...mplete_p92.cfm

I put a pair of these on my rebuild a few years ago, they appeared to be good quality but am not sure where they are actually cast. I put 40k on them towing and had no issues. I sold the truck though but am sure they are doing fine.

**mkhagemann** · 03-30-2010, 06:43

John, did you ever get an answer to your question? The pair of heads I got from ACH weren't too great, one had alot of core shift. Unfortunately they needed to go back on one of my service trucks, now after 10k miles I water in the cylinder. To me it doesn't matter about warrantee, its the down time. Are there any heads that are not made in China?

**john8662** · 03-30-2010, 07:13

I've decided that none other than new AMG castings will do. I ended up finding some heads in my collection that could be used.

Next set will just be new AMG heads.

Sorry to hear of bad heads on your engine, that's been my fear, and you're not the only one.

**Bobbie Martin** · 03-30-2010, 19:39

Originally Posted by john8662

I've decided that none other than new AMG castings will do. I ended up finding some heads in my collection that could be used.

Next set will just be new AMG heads.

That is what I bought for the engine I'm building. Paid about $900 for the pair. Genuine AMG with non magnetic diamond precups.

**turbonator** · 03-30-2010, 20:03

hey john, try 6.5liter.com, this guy gets his blocks from brazil, and i think his heads come from canada, also my brother jim just said he gets one of his blocks from canada as well... jim talked to him on the phone one time, over there they love the 6.5l...

you might know this guy better than us......

**rameye** · 03-31-2010, 06:53

Sorry for the hi-jack...use some caution with 6.5litre.com...for the only reason being that if you ask to visit his machining area, you will get a flat out.... no.

Not saying he is a bad business, however I thought this was a little distressing... he does his machining in the same city I work in, and refused to divulge the address. Reason-it had to do with taxes??

Just wanted to see the quality of these Brazilian castings before I plunked down for a motor.

Good Day!

**DaveBr** · 03-31-2010, 20:47

My Spidy senses are tingling. Brazil could be part of China in this case. Call me anal but I would want to see 3rd party metalurgical results before I lay down my hard earned bucks for any engine related part that came from offshore. Some people got no skin when it comes to getting you to part with your money. They'll tell you exactly what you want to hear.

**turbonator** · 04-01-2010, 06:20

We bought small pieces from him, glow-plugs etc., talked to him on the phone...... seemed nice enough. Always live and learn.

**Robyn** · 04-01-2010, 06:36

The stuff thats coming out of Clearwater cyl head are nice heads.

I Have used them and the price is good and the quality of the stuff seems fine.

Fritolay buys these thing by the pallet load for the rebuilds they do on their chip truck engines.
The word from one of their people is that they have had Zero failures with any of the stuff coming from Clearwater.

Clearwater also offers a fully machined block too that looks great.

I have seen two of these up close and personal, clean looking and the machining is very nice.

One fellow here got one to build on, had some issues with oiling.

Turned out that the main oil feed gallery was plugged with crap that had not been cleaned out after final machining.

As far as I am concerned that is not a black mark against the manufacture. The final checks, cleaning and assembly are the responsibility of the one who is building the engine.

I would buy another set of CCH heads in a flash. My 94 burb had 50K on them when I sold it a while back and the folks that bought it are running the wheels off it.

Just my 2 cents worth

Robyn

**rameye** · 04-01-2010, 09:05

Originally Posted by turbonator

We bought small pieces from him, glow-plugs etc., talked to him on the phone...... seemed nice enough. Always live and learn.

No question he his a nice fella to talk to ...and has knowledge of the 6.5...however he said his castings are from Brazil...same as AMGen...he stated he has to grind the casting marks off them or its a trademark/design infraction ...I asked AMgen...they said no castings come from Brazil....

cant visit his facilities....you do the math.

**DaveBr** · 04-01-2010, 12:01

Clearwater heads may look good but what about long term usage. Anybody out there gone 100,000 mi. with a set? 80,000? 60,000? If so please let me know and I'll humbly change my tune.

**Robyn** · 04-01-2010, 14:49

As I said, the Burb had about 40K on it when I sold it.

I am not real happy about the fact that the castings are likely made in China Butttt.

Clearwater claims they machine the casting in their own shops.

I look at it this way. If Frito is going to buy them and run them in their delivery rigs there is something to be said about that.

I have yet to hear any substantiated issues with the CCH heads.

I have heard the usual unfounded drivel, but nothing substantive as far as problems either short or long term.

To say it again, I would buy another set/sets again in a heart beat.

The Old GM stuff was/is marginal at best.

Now if you wallet floweth over with $$$$$$$$$ the AMG stuff is really sweet.

I would not doub't anything that AMG makes.

AMG/GEP has done a fine job with redesigning the 6.5 to make it a worthy engine with a good future.

Robyn

**oilburnertoo** · 04-01-2010, 15:53

There was a member that bought some heads from Avant Salvage. He assembled the engine, test drove it , parked it in the driveway , tried to start it the next day and it was hydrolocked , wound up bending a rod and I think cracked a piston, Avant stood by the parts but the guy ate all his own labor. Avant admited he got the heads from Clearwater or Alabama cyl heads. I think the members name was "Cowracer" IIRC, havn't seen him post in a long time and I can't recall all the details , been a few years.

**john8662** · 04-05-2010, 10:02

What oilburner said, I've seen those actual heads.

I certainly wouldn't want to build an engine to warranty it for someone else with the chinese heads on it. No way.

I've head far too many issues with these heads to consider them. I owned a set for a day or so. Ordered a pair, was disappointed with the finish and quality of the heads, sent them back freight collect.

Robyn doesn't keep a truck long enough to know what parts work long-term yet runs the pom squad for CCH.

**hatzie55** · 04-25-2010, 15:33

Originally Posted by Robyn

As I said, the Burb had about 40K on it when I sold it.

I am not real happy about the fact that the castings are likely made in China Butttt.

Clearwater claims they machine the casting in their own shops.

Robyn

Are they getting RAW un-machined castings and doing all machine work including fitting US made valvetrain and precups?

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