[boxercup]

Greetings Phil and Rick,

Sorry about the bent valve issues guys. Remember you did your best.

Phil,

Although you have a bent valve, I would focus on the metal filings first.

If your engine flush reveals filings, you must deal with that issue or you will have the possibility of an engine failure. If the flush does not reveal any filings then proceed with the head removal to evaluate the damage.

Rick,

If you are also modifying your headers do not hollow out the cat leaving an empty balloon chamber - Instead have the cat removed and replaced with SS tubing the same size as the entry and exit pipe at the converter balloon. (Use 304L or 321 stainless tubing). In this fashion you will have excellent performance headers - If you just hollow out the converter you will have turbulent swirling and exhaust gas cooling in the empty converter balloon. That is not good for performance as it slows the exhaust flow!

I hope that everything works out well for both of you.