i'm getting used SOHC heads for a friends 03 forester that busted a timing belt.

 

1. the replacement heads are off an engine with rod knock - which suggests previous overheating and these do sometimes seize cams.

- cam seizure is related to bearing surface on the head or cam?

 

2. the original engine has never been overheated.

 

is it better to:

 

1. swap the original cams into the replacement heads?

2. keep the cams married to the heads they're in?

 

done lots of EJ swaps, head jobs...but never thought about this...

I would suppose keep the cams together. Minly, because you can remove and install the heads without removing the cams.

 

This is a relief to anyone who has done millions of ea82's!

 

I doubt the cams would be affected as much from overheats, being they are farthest from the source of heat, and are made of harder metals.

I'd inspect (mostly looking for bad burnt oil evidence) and then leave the cams inplace. They are matted/worn in by this time and match the head.

 

And as pointed out are easy enough on a SOHC to change later if necessary.

 

Now if its ugly under that valve cover I might rethink it.

that's tough, i hear you. it's just hard removing the known good, never overheated parts when i have seen cam seizures.

 

i'll probably keep them with the head, but save the original cams just in case.