Aftermarket 6.5 Diesel Heads, non china, source?

[john8662]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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......