How To Fix A 4500HP Billet Head!

[@mikeweber5382]

“We fix it because we can” outstanding, love your channel and the knowledge you share.

[@TheTsunamijuan]

My father who is a engineer, has told me stories since I was a small child. About skilled craftsman like yourself. That have the skill, patience, and experience to pull off a repair like this. I have always wanted to see someone do this. So just blown away at the chance to watch this. So much respect for you, on so many levels.

[@GTRliffe]

There ain’t many (master) builders that would bother showing this content. I think that demonstrates who steve is . He’s a giving guy first-Engine builder second if i were in the US i wouldn’t have anyone else do my work! At least you see the real him in his videos-not some film (indirectly) serving another purpose.

[@badass96ta]

Real America was built on pioneers like Steve. Im in the oil industry and at some point some guys got together and decided they needed to go after that black gold and I am very grateful for these men.

[@PhilG999]

My father wasn't an Engineer but *I* am, and my granddad built instrument panels for B-29s in the '40s. I've always been one to fix it if I can.

[@leesanders8824]

@@badass96ta all of us that enjoy motorsports like this should be.

[@rodneyharouff5739]

me too.

[@quixototalis]

As far as throwing everything away, it is a value proposition for most of us. I thought it would cost a lot more to repair parts like this (more than a new part in 95% of cases) than it does because that is what we are used to from most companies. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to see a part repaired instead of immediately junked!

[@bobroberts2371]

Something to consider, the cost of manufacture has gone down dramatically over the years however the cost of repair labor has not. Parts are $ because they have to be stored in a warehouse , individually boxed ( Rather that in bulk on the assembly line ) and cataloged. In the day, things were repaired because the initial cost was high / reliability low. Think about it, today even a low end lawn mower engine will still be running after the deck rusts out.

[@shonuffLA]

Planned obsolescence

[@ProblemChild-xk7ix]

Products are more complex and people less skilled in repairing their own stuff than in years past.

[@brycedavis907]

@@ProblemChild-xk7ix I think it's more about what's economical. Skilled labor is expensive, and often a whole replacement part is cheaper than repair. Obviously not the case on a billet smx head. I don't know what they actually cost , but I'm sure they aren't cheap! I'm sure the block of billet and labor to make it into a head are way more than most mass produced cast heads.

[@mattblack156]

@@brycedavis907 Go to 28.30 he goes over how much labour time is in the repair and how the repair v replacement costs stack up. He's obviously 100% confident that the repair is good enough to be reliable in a race engine.

[@B4Ctom1]

I love how Steve says, put a valve in there to protect the seat so you don't hit it. Then cleans the chambers WITHOUT IT and STILL DOESN'T hit the seat.

[@voodoosteel666]

I know it requires a lot of time filming, editing, uploading videos. I wanted to say that we/I appreciate all that you do, & for being such a real person. Thank you so much for sharing your experience's with us normal/average people. ❤

[@botmonkey1008]

Diddo

[@vinceburris2538]

Love these kinds of videos Steve. Thanks for showing us how it's done.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

subaru = IAG - fire ring installation ! = best invention for boosted engines = in the 1960`s drag racers used = flat piano wire - smarts and thinking outside the square ! great video - of a high quality craftsman ! 100% top engine builder - your it steve .

[@fat_lemon]

being a true engine builder, mechanic, what ever you call it, to me it means fixing things instead of being a parts changer. What you do is freaking awesome! keep up the good work :D

[@andrew_brent]

My wife wanted to see that hoop pull again, I replayed twice lol, she loves engines 👍Thanks Steve!!

[@andybrandner204]

One of my favorite channel's now. I can only imagine all the you tube genius's that comment on how you should do it. 🤣😂 Then you explain how it's only been going 5's for the past 3 years with no harm. Keep up the great content!

[@michaelosborne513]

Your rant was spot on a through away sociaty is what America has become there is nobody willing to repair anything and no pride in workmanship . Thank you .

[@Cronus_1]

I was gonna ask about the hammering. Glad you covered it.

[@shroom903]

There are some less technical youtube channels out their that i have voiced opinion on and they get butt hurt. Your name proceeds you and with the knowledge and machining equipment you possess, it just blows my mind that people still question you. I am just sitting back in awe of this information and millions worth of equipment and the knowledge to set it up properly

[@laplantski]

The R&D information that is had from Drag N Drives is priceless...

[@reverendrpm9255]

Steve that wasn't a rant, your a true craftsman, if we can fix it and make it better we should. Throwing it away and starting new did not get you where you are. Keep up the amazing content.

[@oldscratch3535]

I always try to repair something if I can. Even smartphones are easy to repair with the proper tools. All the parts are plug and play these days. Most of your ports are mounted on daughter boards so they can easily be removed if damaged and you just plug a new one in. People really throw away $1000 phones b/c the charging port broke. They're like $20 for a new one.

[@darylmorse]

That's really impressive! I was expecting you to use the CNC machine to finish the combustion chambers, but the result from you doing it by hand is amazing.

[@charleshenshaw9099]

Great job on the repair Steve. Tom is lucky to have you as a friend.

[@SaltyMeatHook]

If you admit when you are wrong, it's 100% ok to talk with authority. Great content here! Thanks!

[@TerminusCodex]

That was an absolutely fantastic video! You pretty much answered every question I had as the video went on and it was especially interesting to learn what a job like that might cost. Keep up the great work Steve, and please keep the videos coming

[@gailtaylor1636]

For all KZbin commenters---#1. watch the vijeos first. #2. Scroll thru the comments and see if what you are about to post has already been mentioned 37 times. #3---Comment. Helps the channels! Now for my drivel, that deck surface finish is insane. Assume it's due to spindle speed. Almost looks like a chrome finish! Was happy he explained why he did the chambers by hand. That was gonna be my question.

[@lesmond7301]

Love your rant. Absolutely enjoy watching Skilled Experts repair their equipment instead of junking it. Lesmond from NZ.

[@firestorm755]

Amazing to be able to see this work being done. You are a real craftsman Steve.

[@davidbaker8854]

Hi Steve and crew, been laid up these last few weeks after knee Op, binged watch all of your videos, they are all full of great information, leant a lot from watching them. Your way of explaining things is great for the home garage guy. Please keep them coming... Can't wait to hear / see the Wagon run again. Best from the UK. db.

[@ChrisTexas]

I could watch you repair and manufacture engines all day. Great work!

[@christopherbarrett8710]

Awesome to see the process of fixing a head like this! 👍

[@stevemorrisracing]

Thanks

[@mattchew7219]

Bruh I thought you were going to machine the inside of that chamber but you grabbed it by hand!! That’s sick! I’m about to grab my junk set of LS heads and bust out a port and polish. You gave me all the confidence to burn a hole into the wrong chamber with this one!

[@akabruno1]

You are correct Steve, Sparking out can also be explained as. letting a machine continue to cut until the spring is out of the machine. It can be extremely small amounts of material.

[@MrAnviljenkins]

I still use the term even though it originally referred to grinding, everybody knows what you mean :-).

[@oldblueaccord2629]

@@MrAnviljenkins I cant say I ever heard that term.

[@MrAnviljenkins]

@@oldblueaccord2629 Picture that you are running a grinder that is grinding the outside of a part, sort of like a lathe with a big grinding wheel on it (if your not a machinist) when you grind even with coolant there are sparks. So when you think you are on side you just let the process run until you see no sparks and hear no grinding noises..."sparking out" we call it. Same concept with a cutter like the valve seat cutter, let the process run until no shavings come off, all tool pressure is gone then.

[@oldblueaccord2629]

@@MrAnviljenkins I understand the concept it was the word Im not familiar with. Makes sense in the grinding example. Thanks!

[@dougbeckwith768]

I actually heard Garret mention when he was running in the FL2K one of his classes they weren't required to drive it back and he could get a good plug read. I immediately thought of that when you were saying about Tom, driving it back and actually thought, the only reason I would drive it back was if I had to. A W is a W.....

[@quinnhammond4405]

Garrett had said that for the street class he had to drive to the pit... for the 28 class he didn't.

[@kevin_nagle]

Can't pull/swap plugs after a pass? When you gather up the chutes?

[@AB-80X]

@@kevin_nagle That's going to be a toasty deal IF you can get your hands in there without lifting the car. On some cars that would be possible, others not. That said, I seem to recall that cars have been towed to the pits in Drag Week while staying in the race. I guess it depends on which event it is. If the driver got his crew mate to push the car, how would that be any different than the car being pushed out of the lane prior to a run if there's an issue? That happens all the time in Drag Week.

[@medpros6183]

Steve, I love the rants, you are your own personality and have your own followers. We follow you.. not the idea of you. Keep them coming and be yourself. Your gonna make folks upset and also make people galvanize themselves to you and your brand as I have. I am in no position to purchase any products from you but I’ve got the lottery mentality. If I won the lottery I’d have a motor of yours in my Harley just because. Rock on man

[@donaldgminski8621]

"Sealing in the Boost" Thanks, Steve. I've been wanting to hear this subject from you.

[@yeahok115sure]

Thank you for the rant!!! It’s true people in 2022 would rather throw everything away than try to even fix it. Amazing work once again

[@ttargetss]

Would love some detail on that surface cutter. What an incredible surface finish!!!

[@brycedavis907]

I thought that same thing!

[@oldblueaccord2629]

its a big thick solid fly cutter.

[@j1m3by]

Fun repair-oriented video. Like you, I like to make my best attempt at fixing broken junk instead of just throwing it away and buying another.

[@AbbStar1989]

I can only imagine how many engine builders take shortcuts and say things like "Yeah mate, it's good enough." This video clearly shows why Steve is one of THE best.

[@randypepper3124]

Thank you Steve for showing a explaining the process to repair Tom's cylinder head. I find this extremely interesting!

[@PhiddyPford]

As a retired bench technician, excellent job showing the detail to do it right.,

[@Durwood1492]

I love watching your videos. Man your work is phenomenal. Job well done. I feel so much smarter after watching this video.

[@boostedperformance4529]

I fix everything myself if I can Steve Morris you know what you're doing. I've been watching you build motors for a long time you're one of the best in the world.

[@debragibson3489]

Amazing machines.....Amazing operators......Amazing skill!!! Thanx Steve

[@DCzookster]

You do such great work Steve, head looks fantastic, and your so right, in today's world, everyone replaces instead of fixing, my Uncle can fix or repair most anything just like you...amazing..

[@zerocontent3171]

A repair so professional that if one hadn't seen the original damage nobody could tell it had ever been damaged at all

[@mausball]

I learned 'spark out' as a 'spring pass', basically to allow for correction in the 'spring' of the cutter or workpiece (or both).

[@Gilbie5000]

Maybe a short vid on Garrett’s mid 6sec run and how you can mathematically conclude how much boost he was running based on times/mph? I found it very interesting when you commented on his post and basically saying thats about maxed out lol.

[@JonHop1]

Garrett said on his 2nd channel he was running around 42lbs... Maxed his reader and could calculate his boost from fuel pressure.

[@andrewstoner4355]

i was thinking the same thing! i would love to see a video of him analyzing that pass. since he did build the motor that did it and all.

[@Gilbie5000]

@@JonHop1 yup, saw that. I just think Steves perspective on motor boost capacity, how he can kind of mathematically calculated how much boost for how much horsepower to push that big o’le rig 6.5’s at 221mph.

[@JonHop1]

@@Gilbie5000 yeah its pretty amazing.. I know that thing was MAXED tho, cuz Garrett was literally asking Steve for the SMX in his vid! 🤣.. Would be a great rundown vid for sure tho! I mean pretty much all Steve's tech and info vids are awesome and I wouldnt miss any of them!

[@Gilbie5000]

@@JonHop1 im just curious to know how many hundreds of pounds of boost my 4runner 6cyl needs to run 6.5’s. 😂 mathematically at least.

[@grahamwells4223]

Looks just like new now Steve! Thanks for showing us the repair. It just goes to show what can be repaired if you have the will. There's also a big difference between repairing and replacing when it comes to price. Graham. UK

[@waynep343]

Thanks for taking us along . Great work . I so miss doing head work. I sold off my splne drive Sioux seat grinder but still have my Sioux hex drive and a kwik way seat grinder

[@texasrider5621]

Steve, you are a master of your trade that head looks like it was brand new never damaged

[@Sainted1973]

Just amazing what you do Steve. Makes me realize what a dumb young man I was for not learning more then just changing cams and tuning carburetors rebuilding engines, Just amazing and very entertaining wish I had 1/10 of your knowledge. Thanks again for such a great video.

[@billnlori3149]

Nice save Steve!! Looks great. It sure takes some top notch machinery to build top notch engines!

[@01bier]

That repair is real nice done you build very nice engines and wen i saw cleetus go a 6.50 219 mph is Just crazy how strong the are

[@AndreysLife]

your dog must a expect machinist and engine builder by now, always watching you do all the work

[@stevemullen8457]

I love how you own your mistakes with a smile, great video.

[@MartinRodriguez-yr4gf]

Having the ability and drive to do this repair is awesome. it also helps that in this day and age, you can completely duplicate the previous shape. PS the finish in that head surface is amazing!

[@Peteblz1]

This was a bad ass episode. Amazing work with your hands on that head. Mind blowing skills.

[@jrwood8343]

I love how while your Redoing the valves your dog is just chilling like let's get this done....that's awesome.

[@robertwetherington3372]

Being a machinist myself I must say.that is a nice finish on the deck surface. The reflection of your hand tells all

[@brendavanorden9550]

I will add this comment to all the vids I watch. Your sons mustang project will bring more views. Or any conventional builds with the common sbc, sbf,bbc or bbf. You have great info that you touch on. Your top notch SME is over the top for most racers.

[@Matty.Hill_87]

Thank you for taking the time to record and edit this video for us showing your process, I bet it made this take at least 4 times longer than it needed to if you just got your head down and fixed it

[@mrvwbob156]

Building a 5000hp engine and some killer rock guitars You guys rock!

[@thecrim22]

Really is a work of art that. Hats off to you for building amazing engines and great craftsmanship

[@TheRubtastic]

Cleetus' entire weekend at FL2K was a testament to the raw power capability of the SMX. Big respect to you, Steve. You build a hell of a motor and I can't wait to see what the future has in store.

[@codys6229]

He doesnt even have an smx. He did all that on a much more mild built engine, I think a brodix cast block deal

[@russclewley6945]

I believe Cleetus made a comment at FL2K to Steve to get a SMX ready for him.

[@bobgreene5460]

@@russclewley6945 The 570 the same motor Tom Bailey has.

[@km0821]

@@bobgreene5460 it’s not

[@v12alpine]

I feel like his trans is barely hanging in there. Full blown SMX might be too much.

[@wmetzler01]

Love watching this! Good engineering is art… Pls keep it coming Steve!!

[@patrickciarcia4100]

Your just a master machinist… love the repairs and all the technical information… your the man.. 👍🏻😎

[@bobbyborba6460]

Love the rant. I believe that part of the problem of throwing things away and installing new is lack of knowledge. The problem of lack of knowledge is society has been told to be successful in life you must go to college. The trades have fallen by the wayside. I’m proud to say that our small elementary school is looking into a starting up a class for middle school kids and basic trades.

[@kathyscherbarth2169]

Very cool too watch but I guess it's good to know that you'll have to get another repair shop to fix your own stuff..... If you make a vid like this it could be a good idea to list some of the other vendors out there that can take care of the little guy. Hat's off to ya !!

[@benrossbach6501]

Wow Steve is a nuero surgeon to. I wonder how Tom felt after. Thanks for sharing

[@veto8792]

Loved this!! I’ve heard of folks getting them fixed after being damaged like this. Always wondered how it was done. Great stuff, you really make it look easy.

[@jcandela2009]

This is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share this. I will be showing this to my welding students tomorrow.

[@strykerentllc]

Spoke too soon. Dewey cameo made our day! lol He's literally your shadow. Thoroughly enjoined the rebuild tutorial so thank you for taking the time to document the steps. Questions... #1 Decking the heads draws them lower to the block deck but apparently an insignificant value to affect intake sealing or you would have noted that would be addressed, correct? #2 On boosted engines, the combustion chamber volume uniformity doesn't matter to the degree so free grinding and blending is acceptable, correct? #3 Apparently the breakthrough condition on the exhaust port to the bolt through bore doesn't influence bolt strength over time? The peening between weld passes on AL isn't necessary. Steel welding benefits from the peening under certain applications but somehow it has migrated to AL welding. Cheers!! 👍

[@stevesloan6775]

Brilliant job! More videos like this please.. I actually learnt a few things. Full Edutainment!

[@scottandison1086]

I think both you and Bailey are lost and your heads can’t be fixed!!! Maniacs and I appreciate you guys.

[@2ToneWalt]

Now that is a thing of beauty. I sure I'm not the first to say it but you do great work. 👍

[@jonnylowkon]

Love all the attention to detail. Someday I will have one of Your engines

[@marksworkshop54]

Its amazing what can be repaired if you know what your doing . In the 80s / 90s my Dad would repair here in Australia Drag , Sprintcar , prostock and Super car heads all the time . If he couldnt repair no 1 could . He had a Brodix V6 chev block 1 time to repair and the owner had allready bought a ticket to the USA to take the block to Brodix if Dad could not fix it . He Welded it up with the sleeve still in the block and the owner didnt care about the plane ticket that he lost as is was repaired for the next weekend of racing .

[@dusty265]

great content as always, true testament to your engines and skills as a builder!

[@danieledwards1081]

I don't know if anything can fix Bailey's head... but Bailey's engine's head, Steve is the man 👌🤣😁

[@bdugle1]

Cool, you made a whole video to answer my question! Fascinating stuff, thanks!

[@Crooked_Clown]

Fixing stuff that could easily be replaced is how knowledge is gained.

[@glenbrannon7224]

Will work like new, I have always repaired aluminum heads. You make it look easy!

[@stevemorrisracing]

Thanks

[@kyleglosson4820]

Love the big boy head grind, some people just don’t understand!!!

[@MrBlackbutang]

That’s what Machinest say in pnw. It’s no good get another I will machine it for you. Don’t how many heads I have welded cracked burnt broken studs boss . Easy repairs done right. Thanks for explaining this all the newbie’s Steve.

[@petesmith8000]

LOVE THE RANT.. When the value of everything means that its thrown away at the slightest problem then no-one takes care. Great job..

[@robertterry1709]

Steve amazing that you have time to show your work love the variety of engines and the depth of explaining to people why and how thank you and your dog is a legend and a great supervisor on the rottler

[@robertterry1709]

So have l been selected or am l being scammed

[@GoodForYou4504]

@@robertterry1709 scammed.

[@austin7713]

That's a top notch repair. Can't even tell it blew out the chamber there.

[@dondotterer24]

Wow the mirror finish! Is awesome

[@r.d.riddle2068]

You're absolutely correct. Real Hot Rodders repair and improve things. Always have, always will.

[@drewmurray2583]

8:05 amazing finish on that cylinder head surface!!!!!!🤩

[@anthonyjones657]

Steve your music sounds like old school metallica thrash metal. I like it!

[@timemachine930]

Hey Steve. Agree People not fixing moust staff now days moustly becouse is build the way its almoust imposible to fix it plus been charge 40% of new one dosent make sence. But with that head shure make 100% sence to fix its simple and cglheaper even with speed shop labour rates. Keep up good job😀

[@desertlobster908]

Your porting & polishing music is great.

[@gafrers]

Steve's Rant is another correct one Great video as always

[@mitchadams2582]

You need to hire a welder. If you weren't in the frozen north, I would come help. Just put down the torch. Love everything else you do.

[@john1badsti1]

really like your videos very informative and enjoyable you are a great guy Toms lucky to have you on his side

[@gcrauwels941]

Really interesting to see what the thickness of the valve to seat contact patch is and where it was on the valve itself. To think what the cylinder pressures are on a run and that little area containing it. Dang.

[@richardtisdale3245]

I love it Steve... as the old saying goes.. Use it, Fix it, wear it out, make it do, or do without

[@russclewley6945]

You are a true artist Steve!

[@sanddan525]

I love the tech videos. Next time can you show the actual weld repair in real time? Also why you do it that way. Could be a separate video if the length got too long. Arc shots are also desired. Love the repair aspects of high tech race engines.

[@jasonhoetmer601]

Love the choice of music at the 26 minute mark!!

[@alkyiroc]

OMG! We live in a throwaway society. I've been saying that for years. Remember when rebuilding alternators and starters was normal? Nobody fixes anything any more. Love the video.

[@101starting]

You forgot about the calipers rebuilding was cheaper than replacing back then! the price for this head is worth many hours of work rebuilding

[@alkyiroc]

@@101starting Sure. Calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinders. For daily drivers, the cost to rebuild has exceeded the cost to replace so we've just become parts changers now. All these components are now just sent out to rebuild shops who can do a rebuild more economical than the typical repair shop. Like mentioned in the video, a $1500 repair for a $6000 head means it's much cheaper to rebuild.

[@bdjm8595]

Fascinating, thanks again for sharing your knowledge and skill!!

[@jjansen987]

If Steve can fix his block he can definitely fix the head! $1500 for 10 hours is a great deal. 🍻 Steve!