Thread: Would I be able to deck/shave my head with S4s?

A buddy ran this idea by me the other day. I'm pulling my head this weekend to port/polish and install BC springs and retainers. He said while I have it out maybe get it shaved down a little bit to raise the compression. I understand that can be done, but is it worth it? I have a 96 lowport with S4s, and I'll be using an OEM VE 20V head gasket. I don't know how thick the VE gasket is compaired to a DE, but the fsm said 1mm is the limit for head resurfacing. Anybody ever did this? I was just going to do a little minor head work, but while it's out would it be worth the extra effort? And what would be the limit before I'd need valve reliefs cut? I have a stock DE bottom end now, so it's 9.5:1

whats the cost compared to getting a set of sr16 pistons??? when i had my DE that was my next step to bump compression with sr16 pistions...

for instance Andreas has a set of N1 SR16 pistons for $140, what would it cost to shave the head?

IDK yet? I'll have to call some local shops. I was just gauging opinions/facts here before I did it. Plus IDK my tolerances with my setup? I'm not tearing into my bottom end at all, but when I do at some point I'll get VE pistons. I'm just pulling the head with the motor in the car still to do some minor head work. Mild port/polish, and BC springs and retainers.

you dont need reliefs cut with s4's. I had both my head and block resurfaced and never an issue. I was running a Cosworth 1.1mm X87mm headgasket as well. I used the same head and block with C2 cams and springs and retainers reving to 8700 and again, no clearance problems.

You have nothing to worry about.

Cool, thanks. Would you happen to know how many mm can be removed safely?

If your looking to do it to bump compression up then i would go off what the fsm states. Usually you dont want to shave it below the stamped numbers on the block and head. Thats usually a good indication of where to stop. But use the FSM numbers.

Ok cool. Thanks man.

One thing to consider is that if you do too much it'll mess with the timing. You'll have to use adjustable cam gears to set everything back up right. At least that's how I understand it.

Aaron ur right, but on such a simple setup I doubt it will affect much.

Get some pistons, a slight deck will be unoticable in the hp department.

Stratton.

Agreed