Hi guys, I have a question concerning some c heads that I recently purchased. They were from a 455 and looked pretty clean until I received them and found the exhaust valves pretty pitted. The number on the heads are #394548 I asked the guy I bought them from and he then said that they came off a marine 455 engine. I did not know this before hand.Would I still be able to use these on my 400 67 442? Or did I get hosed? Please advise.....

 

As long as he didn't tell you they're ready to bolt on....I don't really see the issue. I almost expect 40 year old valves to need replacing no matter what engine they came out of

 

Big valves in stainless steel are only 160 on Ebay , I would put em in any build combo especially a 455 or a 400 425 just the same . This gives you a chance to cut out any rust pits in seats on a 2.0/1.62 valve head when putting 2.07/1.71

 

He did list them as "ready to run"

 

So these heads should work out fine? I know I have to install new valves and check the seats.. What about the valve springs? My original heads on my E block had single springs, these have double springs and they are so tight, I can hardly compress them..

 

Bummer, maybe the seats and faces are fresh ground and seal good. Maybe do a leak test on the bench with brake fluid

 

When investing in core parts avoid rust scale and heavy pitting.
Look in the water passages what do you see?
Corrosion from salt water or from a engine that did not run anti freeze are a poor choice, unless very very very rare.
If they are corroded/heavy pitting don't throw good money after bad, find a clean set.
If you are unhappy contact the seller with your concerns.
Good Luck