Jay,

>Is it better to have a "new" Spanish head or a rebuilt >german head. It is
>going on a motor of unknown mileage and I'll only be >replacing one.
>Opinions?

The new AMC heads are better designed by adding extra material to thin spots
prone to crack on VW heads. The aluminum is a better quality then the German
aluminum, BUT it still can corrode.  The Italian valves used in the heads
are prone to PULLING OUT OF THE KEEPERS causing a dropped valve.  I learned
this when I bought my AMC heads from AVP.  They put German valves in their
New AMC heads.

I had my head sealing surface ceramic coated ($80 per head) to eliminate the
problem.  I have had reports of owners in the past eliminating the problem
with a coating on the head.  I chose the Swain Tech coatings for the heat
controlling properties, it helps to eliminate over heating (the second
common problem on Vanagons).
If your heads are bad, and the engine has been severely overheated before,
get new heads BUT get German valves put in with a 3 angle cut on the seat
and a two angle cut on the valve (It helps improve the flow in the engine
and the heads do not have the proper cuts on them, mine were not).
If it is in your budget, get the sealing surface ceramic coated to prevent
future damage.

Robert

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