Head Work Basics

[PeabnutBubber]

Hey there y'all,

After a timing case job back in February I have a spare m42 sitting in my backyard. My engine now ticks incredibly loudly and I've driven it probably 3000+ miles since putting it back together in February and I want to clean out and replace the head from the spare (100,000 miles) with the ticky one I'm running now. There's nothing wrong with the engine I have now power-wise or anything that I notice other than the tick, but I figure if I can revitalize this car to make it more solid for future road trips and daily driving, I'd like to go ahead while I can afford it.

SO, that being said, If anyone can give me the beginner's rundown of what new parts I should get and what I should have done to the spare head at the machine shop, I would greatly appreciate it!

I've been recommended to just get the spare head with 100,000 miles resurfaced but I've also heard that I should get new springs and seals? I know very little and I'm in the process of scouring google now. Also, if I could get a little power gain here or there without having to mess with the ECU that would be cool as well.

[Geoff]

Getting new valve springs and seals would probably be a good idea on a 100,000 mile head.  then, after being re-surfaced,  you would have a nice fresh unit that should give good service for a long time.  Use new timing componants to ensure the tick goes away..new gears, chain,  tensioner, rails and idler bearing (if you are using one)     all this stuff is expensive,  but not as expensive as doing it again because you used a new chain with worn gears..
                                                             Geoff