350x head question.

[Jim mac]

on a 350x, since the head and valve cover is basically the cam bearing. Do they have to be kept as a set? I imagine the rocker cover is torqued to the head then the cam journal is align bored. So swapping the cover could cause a mismatch? jim

[Mr. NeverPlea]

Yes, consider it a matched pair. You can polish them up and swap camshafts, just check tolerances. On a side note, Honda had exceptional quality control during this time period. I would not be surprised if you randomly paired a head and cover to find a match that is in tolerance. Case halves are swaped with success. When in doubt, measure. Plasti-guage and similar products are a breeze to use, and a cheap way to ease your mind.

[scuba]

Match pairs only on the head. The cases are a pretty good bet, but the head has to much going on. For those who remember "The Ultimate 350X" build that fell on its face..... The engine had mismatched head and cover. the next owner found that Bill just pulled the guide pins out to get the cam to turn.

[Jim mac]

I ended up trading the head and cover for a suspended 185s. jim

[350for350]

That may have been a very good trade.

[Jim mac]

the head was basically a freebie, and the suspended 185s is in another post but runs, no smoke, just need to find a seat for it. jim

[350for350]

Oh yes. I've seen it. I do pay attention to those things. I'd love to build one someday. I think that I have most of the parts to build one, it's just finding the time and prioritzing it.