Rebuilding top end, Recommended parts? Options

[Allan]

Okay, here goes. I am going to pull the motor out of the car Saturday ('76 2.0 w/Ca. emissions) and pull the heads and cylinders to send out for any necessary work they need. I plan on addressing rust issues in the engine compartment while everything is out and replace both the clutch and throttle cables along with the clutch and shifter bushings. My question is: 1) Shoulf the cylinders go to the shop along with the heads to have the mating surfaces checked for proper sealing (I understand that when I put it back together I shouldn't use a head gasket)? and 2) If doing just the top end what else should I replace while I'm at it? I hope this is not to broad of a question. I want to start ordering parts as soon as I can. Thanks for any assistance. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[otto]

There are always cracks under the valve seats. In order to do heads correctly, the valve guides and the valve seats have to be removed and the heads have to be magnafluxed to check for cracks. Cracks also develope between the spark plug hole and the valve seat hole.
Don't let anyone talk you into doing it anyother way, the seats will fall out and you get to do it again.