How much did you shave the cylinder head?libarra82 wrote: Sun Mar 22, 2026 1:33 pm Head almost ready![]()
All is well, just needed a new intake valve and seals.
Porsche 944 Head.jpeg
Cylinder Head rebuilt recommendations
- PSU_Crash
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They should be snug. I use a brass hammer on this type of pin if you can't just push it in.
'86 Zermatt Silver 944 N/A 
'86 Mitsubishi Starion - Purpose built SM class Autocross car
'87 Chrysler Conquest - Mid LS Swap
'86 Mitsubishi Starion - Purpose built SM class Autocross car
'87 Chrysler Conquest - Mid LS Swap
- Tom
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Helps to put the pins in the freezer too, with very light WD40 or similar, and let the head sit in the sun (or hit it with a hair dryer)...
The cylinder head is back on the car. Leaving the head out in the sun and putting the dowel pins in the freezer worked perfectly. The pins slid in easily with thumb pressure, and a few light taps with a rubber mallet ensured they seated fully.
The exhaust manifolds are installed. They were nearly as difficult to install as they were to remove. The fit was very tight with the new Allen-style bolts, and I had to slightly drill out the bolt holes in the manifolds to get everything to line up properly. If I were to do this again, I would pre-install the manifold and the rear coolant neck onto the head before installing it in the car. The rear coolant neck was also a challenge to install with the wiring and the air-oil separator in the way.
