Thank you. That's what I was looking for. The TFS smallblock Ford heads were taken off the market for awhile ('97 - '98) because of accelerated valve guide wear as you describe. I got one of the first sets of newer production heads that were supposed to have solved the guide wear problems. They use hardened iron valve guides with neoprene rubber seals to allow more
oil on the guides.
As a precaution, I had the pistons flycut for both TFS heads, and standard heads, so if the TFS's gave me any problems, I could swap for another brand.
The seals I'm accustomed to using are the Perfect Circle teflon insert, not the full teflon with the wire spring on the valve. They seemed to provide just enough sealing for stem lubrication and long life. They worked well on my Pontiacs, Olds's, and 289 stock head Fords.
I suppose with the TFS's, I could leave well enough alone. They work, although for how long remains to be seen. The engine used one quart of
oil during break in, and has used one additional quart to its 6 month
oil change.
Was wondering what others experience had been.
You might inquire with TFS on those early production heads. Make enough of a fuss, and TFS should replace them under warantee for a pair of later production heads. Performance wise, they work great.
You do have to play games with the pushrod guide plates, making sure the rocker arm tip is centered on the valve tip before tightening everything down. No easy to adjust, and TFS tech support is no help.
Again, thanks