Cylinder Head Replacement: Re-manufactured Vs New

[94' Ranger]

I am not 100% certain that I need new heads but I am replacing the head gaskets on my 1994 3.0 STX Ranger this weekend (or next), and depending on their condition, I may want to replace my head(s) as well. I was just curious what this forum's general impressions are on new vs. remanufactured cylinder heads. Specifically THIS NEW HEAD Vs. THIS REMANUFACTURED HEAD, I almost always go through our local O'Rileys for parts because I get a pretty significant discount (I work at one of the busier auto shops in town as a service writer so I know all the employees very well). If there are better options I'm all ears. I would be willing to get one from a junkyard but I'm not trying to spend 8+ hours working just to find that the heads are all warped to hell.

Do the used ones hold up as long as they should? For reference, at my local O'Rileys new cylinder heads cost about 27% more than the remanufactured ones. Would you expect the new heads to last at least 27% longer than the remanufactured ones? Is that extra cost worth it?

As always, your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[O No 3.0!]

Depends on where the new head is from. If its a china sourced product then i would say no. I know there used to be an aftermarket head available from world products, but i don't know if you can still get those? If that is where they come from, then yes they are probably worth it.

 

[gaz]

@94' Ranger ,

I am a big fan of reconditioned heads. They usually come garunteed and have been gone over by a competent machinist, often with a valve job and assembled. I would only consider a US based service company (machinist)for reconditioned heads; a local machinist may also be worth checking into ..)

I have driven a 3.0l, though I have not worked on one. Depending on the use (miles) and condition of your heads, since the heads must come if anyway $150ish plus parts (if necessary) for a performance valve job and the skilled inspection of a trusted machinist looking them over would be prudent and money well spent.