ramius665

Currently rebuilding my fire-damaged 951. Apparently I didn't notice that the ceramic liners in the exhaust ports were cracking and beginning to come apart. My machinist called today and said he wouldn't work on the head because it's defective. I don't have a lot of money sitting around to source a new head, I've already spent thousands on new parts. I've sourced a refurbished head with new valves for $500, and even that's a little out of my price range right now.

What are my options? Source a 944 NA head, like the 3.0L guys do? Try to find a 951 head that has good ceramic liners? Remove the ceramic liners in my current head?

I'm really looking for some good opinions/options. I've had a few setbacks on this project, but this one has some really bad timing.

Bri Bro

PM sent

carlege

how much did you spend on powder coating?

ramius665

It was $600 to have the cam tower, front/rear cam gear covers and the block done. It would have been about $1000 more to have the head, balance shaft covers, oil pan, motor mounts and alternator mount done. I couldn't bring myself to part with that additional money, so I purchased some high-temp engine paint and did the rest. Came out looking exactly like the powdercoat, just not as oil/fuel/grime resistant.

But now I'm frustrated all to hell, I wanted to have the engine buttoned up on the stand before Christmas. I'm getting the crank back from the machinist tomorrow, so I still might try getting the bottom end together this weekend. Plus, I'm traveling for work every weekend up to Christmas. Jesus.

carlege

i saw a couple on ebay that might fit what you need. although who knows its ebay. Also slightly used ones might not be out of the question.

ramius665

I had considered using ebay, but after some the "excellent" condition used parts I've gotten off there in the last few months I'm going to stay away. Would prefer to get one from a fellow Rennlister, or just remove the remaining ceramic coating in my current head and go from there. It's just a frustration that I didn't really need right now.

Chris White

Unless your are going to go endurance racing or drive the autobahn all day just get an NA head. Finding a really good used 951 head is getting tougher every day...ceramic damage is very common.

alxdgr8

Grab an N/A head and swap all the 951 stuff over to it.

Bri Bro

Did you check out the link I sent you?

ramius665

I did... Waiting for a response. Can a competent machine shop modify the valve seats for the 951 valves? If that's the case, I can get a 944 NA head pretty easily.

Bri Bro

Everything on the head looked good, hope he still has it for your sake.

ajrlredondo

It is possible to put or coat ceramic lines on a 2.7 head like 968 turbo? I´m building a 3L and I´m not sure which head is better 951 head or 944 2.7 without ceramic lines.

ramius665

Brian,

Turns out he sold the head... :'( But I think I can source a good 944 NA head pretty easily.

rdanford

I have a head off my 87' 951....no issues, just upgraded this last winter....pm if still looking....

Chris White

You can get a heat rejection coating done...but it not quite like the ceramic factory coating (which is more than a coating - its fairly thinck in places).