Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduction?

[Jacob Angel (40987)]

Hi Everyone!

I have now gone to 997 school.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it, from the SMARTEST CORVETTE GUY I KNOW, I will get a full 50 point dedcution for using Tonawanda Heads vs the Flint Heads on my 57 Corvette; as I quote:

"With that date format, they're definitely Tonawanda heads - you can also tell by the casting symbols on the ends of the heads NOT being machined flat like Flint heads - they're "as-cast" on Tonawanda heads.

heads are judged solely by their external appearance and by the casting symbols on the ends; on that basis, your heads would probably get a full deduction (50 points), as Tonawanda heads were never used on Corvettes."

I have no hesitations that the above information is correct...

I thought I would test the waters here, so Chicago Corvette, who so far is being pretty nice about the situation, can see on a publicly viewed board what other NCRS judges or members would have to say in this regard.

Happy Holidays,
Jacob

[John McGraw (31656)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

Jacob,

If you expect Al to be nice about this and take the heads back, I think that you are probably in for a dissapointment. He is not stupid, he knows that the heads are not correct for your car, but he sold them to you anyway! My guess is that he will only take them back if forced to do so. I hope that you purchased them with a credit card, so that you credit card company can get your money back to you. Otherwise, I would supspect that you are for a long battle with him!

Regards, John McGraw

[Mike McCagh (14)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

i've detected and deducted for tonowanda heads on c-1 engines but don't recall ever deducting 100%. seems like 50 to 75% deduct would be appropriate. after all, they are GM SBC heads. mike

[Joe Lucia (12484)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

Jacob------

The thing that surprises me is that there ever were any Tonawanda-cast, '997' heads. The passenger car application for these heads was extremely limited and, unless there were also truck applications (of which I'm not aware), it would not seem like there would have been enough demand to justify casting them at the 2 locations.

If you keep them (whether you want to or not), it might be possible to have a machine shop "machine flat" the "casting symbol" surface of the cylinder head. As far as the 2 digit date code goes, that's a moot point; no one will ever see it.

[Gary Chesnut (5895)]

Could be tower size difference like the pyramid

differences between Flint and Tonawanda heads. Don't have any 997 heads to compare with each other. The pyramids on the 539 heads definetely differ in size between Flint and Tonawanda heads. Gary....

[Jacob Angel (40987)]

Re: Could be tower size difference like the pyrami

Thanks everyone for your help.

I have decided to return them.

Whether anyone sees under the valve covers or not.... Incorrect is Incorrect. There is absolutely no point, or at least not enough points in paying 3000 dollars for heads that will only buy me 25% of my full points for heads.

I will call Chicago Corvette tomorrow morning.

I hope he is in good Holiday Spirits!

Best Regards and Happy Holidays!
Jacob Angel

[Tom Parsons (3491)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

quote:If you keep them (whether you want to or not), it might be possible to have a machine shop "machine flat" the "casting symbol" surface of the cylinder head: quote.

Dang, I thought it would just be me that would think of doing that!
Surely you NCRS guys don't think of "cheatin"!

[Michael Hanson (4067)]

Re: Could be tower size difference like the pyrami

Jacob,

In my opinion, you are definitely doing the right thing. Even if the heads can be made to appear as correct originals, you are still being asked to pay a price that would be reasonable FOR originals. May as well get the real thing.

A good copy of a $10. bill may look just like a real $10. bill but it's not worth $10.

[Clem Zahrobsky (45134)]

it's not cheatin,it's being creative *NM*

[Robert Willis]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

I read somewhere that the 997s were also used on the heavy duty trucks in 57.

They probably had different valves.

Bob

[Philip Castaldo (8063)]

You have to machine them to used them

The water pump-motor mount will not sit against the block if the heads are not milled. Phil 8063

[Jacob Angel (40987)]

Re: You have to machine them to used them

More fuel for the fire, Thanks a bunch guys!

Best Regards,
Jacob

[Robert Willis]

Re: You have to machine them to used them

I knew 58 heads were like that but I didn't know that about 57 heads.

Bob

[Joseph Trybulec (930)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

Mike

Where would the 539 heads have been cast for use on the high horsepower 57 Chevy EK engines?

Joe

[Mike McCagh (14)]

Re: Tonowanda Heads Vs Flint Heads, 50 pts. deduct

i'd guess at flint. the original heads on my 57 250 hp pass car fi has flint heads. mike