Head Rebuild - what shop to go with?

[tlow98]

Hi all, I'm looking to have my head rebuilt to stock-ish standards. Nothing special as this is a streetcar. The top end is in good shape overall, but HG went.

Looking at Lang Racing, Carbahn (Dinan's new shop), etc. I'd prefer to be able to just drop it off and pick it up so would welcome any other Norcal suggestions!

I'm located in NorCal.

Does anyone have any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks!

[EthanolTurbo]

Don't have any recommendations for NorCal but I just had this job done, pretty much just need to send it to a good machine shop, get a quality OEM headgasket kit and install. Great time to do cams, wish I had when I did mine lol.

[WestBankM4]

My head gasket recently went as well, I did some research and I found Star Machine in Emeryville. The owner is very familiar with S54's, I had them hot tank and skim it only, I did the re assembly on my own.

[digger]

Hi all, I'm looking to have my head rebuilt to stock-ish standards. Nothing special as this is a streetcar. The top end is in good shape overall, but HG went.

Looking at Lang Racing, Carbahn (Dinan's new shop), etc. I'd prefer to be able to just drop it off and pick it up so would welcome any other Norcal suggestions!

I'm located in NorCal.

Does anyone have any other recommendations I should consider?

Thanks!

dumb question, if the topend is in good shape why are getting it rebuilt over simply getting a light resurface which any machine shop can do ?

[bigjae46]

If you're willing to ship, I use Big Mike's Speed and Machine in Wichita, KS. He's done 5 heads, 3 blocks and a bunch of other small work. Never had an issue. Some really good machine shops in that area...aerospace industry.

[tlow98]

dumb question, if the topend is in good shape why are getting it rebuilt over simply getting a light resurface which any machine shop can do ?

Well, my logic is like this:

- it’s got 211k miles on it. I’m assuming the valve guides are worn and while I’m in there might as well take care of that at the minimum. Shouldn’t be too pricey, and will get me pretty far down the road with this motor I suspect.

if they aren’t worn and the shop tells me to send it, great. I suspect that’s not where it’s at tho.

so, visually, it’s in hood shape, but I don’t have the expertise or tools to look at valve guide play.

[Slideways]

Even at 211k, I would not mess with guides. Hot tank, skim and if necessary, valve job after vacuum testing.

[tlow98]

Even at 211k, I would not mess with guides. Hot tank, skim and if necessary, valve job after vacuum testing.

Appreciate the input. Is this what is common practice on the s54?

Is there a reason that messing with the valve guides is potentially troublesome - as in don’t mess with what’s working fine kind of thought?

[Slideways]

Appreciate the input. Is this what is common practice on the s54?

Is there a reason that messing with the valve guides is potentially troublesome - as in don’t mess with what’s working fine kind of thought?

Basically. Also, no one in the UK has mentioned that they have had the guides done and they have replaced quite a few headgaskets over there.

[digger]

Well, my logic is like this:

- it’s got 211k miles on it. I’m assuming the valve guides are worn and while I’m in there might as well take care of that at the minimum. Shouldn’t be too pricey, and will get me pretty far down the road with this motor I suspect.

if they aren’t worn and the shop tells me to send it, great. I suspect that’s not where it’s at tho.

so, visually, it’s in hood shape, but I don’t have the expertise or tools to look at valve guide play.

ohh when you say in good shape you mean nothing is clearly FUBAR but actually largely unknown.......yeah as its a fairly high mileage engine then it makes sense to inspect and address any issues found. pressure test, valve stem seals, guides, valve seats on valve and seat itself, resurface etc

[tlow98]

ohh when you say in good shape you mean nothing is clearly FUBAR but actually largely unknown.......yeah as its a fairly high mileage engine then it makes sense to inspect and address any issues found. pressure test, valve stem seals, guides, valve seats on valve and seat itself, resurface etc

Yes, I should have qualified ‘good shape’. I’m not an expert! It runs great (before the head gasket went) and nothing is obviously wrong with it to my you-tube-educated eye.

Appreciate the input all - it’s helpful.