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i have the 2v 289 and want to get a set of the AFR 165 aluminum heads. My question is, will the valves clear the dish tops already in the car or do i need to cut valve reliefs. If i need valve reliefs am i better off just to buy an aftermarket piston set and i i do change pistons do i have to pull the motor or can i do them with the heads off. Do i have to overbore? sorry i know its a ton of questions but everything is finally starting to come together so i want to understand this thing before i get started.
 

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Valve clearance is going to depend on the combustion chamber size, duration and amount of valve lift with the camshaft being used, valve head diameter and the amount of valve relief in the pistons. This can be determined by using a strip of modeling clay (No Play-dough, it contains salt) placed on the piston where the valves will be closest to the piston. Installing a used and compressed head gasket and installing the head. The engine rotated slowly, by hand, two complete revolutions (Rotated slowly, you don't want to damage anything if there is interference.), and then the head removed and the thickness of the clay measured where the valves have left an impression. You should have at least .080" intake and .100" exhaust clearance at TDC between the piston and the valves.

This is the only sure way of knowing the amount of clearance that you will have. If reliefs need to be cut, it's best done by a machine shop and the pistons will need removal.

There is a method where a cutter is installed in the cylinder head, in place of the valve, and the cuts made without piston removal, but the cutter is expensive and is best done by someone familiar with this method. You may be OK with the pistons that you currently have.
 

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I had a 289 2v engine that i put afr 165 heads on with no problems. The heads had 58cc chambers and 1.9 intake/1.6 exhaust valves. The best and safest way to go is to check the clearance as stated by The Greek but you should not have any problems. The cuts in the piston should be ok.
 
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