I bought a D1 with only 59k miles, aside from a power steering leak the engine ran smoothly and the interior is immaculate, the problem is the paint, I need to do a full paint job to restore it. Before I spent the money on painting I decided to check the engine and take the opportunity to change head gaskets and put ARP studs.

I got both Heads out , the gaskets were original (land rover stamp) and in good condition with minimal signs of wearing toward the edges. I check the heads with precision edge, the 0.002 (mfg spec) in gauge passes the test however the 0.0015 gauge did not, the warping located in the center of the heads (concave down)

Experts what do you recommend? Skim them and play it safe or save the money and get them back there as they are?

 

if they measure flat Id run them, have done so in the past.

Why ARP studs?

Ive had 2 out of 2 ARP stud kits loosen. Bolts work fine on D1s

 

From memory.002 is max, so it sounds like you’re good.
Personally I’d also use new stretch bolts, but that is a highly debated topic

 

I would skim and do a valve job just because I would not want to do the job again for another 150k miles (don't overheat it and it could go longer). I would also use new stretch bolts but have less conviction on that call. I could be convinced. That said, robertf is a person I would listen to.

 

I say take a chance - do it half-*** and pay later

 

I’m no expert and have read many good debates about reasons to skim or not, I do believe context might help experts recommendation. I own a D2 which I did HG and skimmed heads last year, although not a blown gasket there was some coolant leak in the back of the engine and warping was slightly over max, however I acquired this D1 recently with only 59k original miles, there was no leak nor overheating, the only reason I’m doing HG was to check engine state before I put money on painting so no malady in this engine. The engine is super clean and the heads pass the gauge test comfortably. There are no dents or scratches. If that is the case can those who are recommending to skim elaborate on the why in this specific case you would Do it?

 

Because it is already .0015 out. And it won't get flatter on its own.

And although it is not a terrible job to do (and easier than a D2 w/Bosch & SAI), it is still not something you want to do again for the wrong reason. I enjoy my free time more than I enjoy wrenching.

Do it right, do it once.

 

Alright alright

😬

 

Well if it makes you feel any better, I do practice what I preach...

 

skim the crap out of them
replace the valves/ guides
lifters
cam
rocker arms
rockers
push rods
water pump
oil pump
all the gaskets
hoses
boil the radiator


$7K should cover it - someone I know say - "are you crazy or just plain stupid"