TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:52 pm

The number 1 exhaust valve in my 1972 super has been going out of adjustment ever since I bought it. (The valve adjustment shrunk from .006 to .004 in 200 miles). I took the engine out, and the heads off, and I've been measuring stuff. It turns out that the combustion chambers on the right side had been machined so far that the compression ratio was up to 8.2 on that side of the engine.

I bought a cylinder head from Mid-America Motorworks (I know, bad idea). Well, I went to measure the chamber volume on the new head, and the exhaust valve leaks water. I took the valve out and the seat isn't the same width all the way around. The design of the exahust and intake ports aren't the same, so there's far less places for air to go through and cool the exhaust valves. So I guess those are junk.

So where should I buy heads? From what RS Hoover has said about Gene Berg, I'd feel pretty comfortable buying one from there, but they're like $375. Obviously the $200 from MaM isn't the right thing. Anything in between that works? Any advice? Where do you get your heads that work?

Thanks for any information at all.

Sincerely,

Craig Steffen

Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:03 pm

I have used the heads from CB performance and they are good. They are like $130 each there. MAM seems to be just another JC whitney.

Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:05 pm

The Bad News is the cost of VW Heads has doubled to what they where last year. The Bad News is all the Suppliers are saying to look for another Big Heist in Head Prices. Now China Heads are being Sold and it's to early to know if they are any good. Have Fun.

Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:14 pm

I would try and find a good core head, preferably locally, and then try and find a place around your area that can rebuild your heads. It will be a lot cheaper that way since you're not paying for a new head. Do some searching, or maybe someone can chime in from your area.

Mitch

Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:27 pm

Rebuilding a head can be expensive also. If it needs new guides, valves, springs and retainers then you just as well buy new becaue it will cost around $100 to have someone do then and that isnt including the price to buy the used ones to start with. Heads are kind of a loss los situation, it is going to cost some $$ for good heads.

Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:02 pm

Look up Brothers VW. I recently bought a set of stock heads from them, complete with 3 angle job. They're $95 a piece, with a $15 core if you're out of state. They look great, and I have had 0 probs with them.

Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:23 am

Just curious, who is them?

Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:05 am

I can supply German heads for a reasonable price, rebuilt.
PM me.

Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:07 am

Russ Wolfe wrote: I can supply German heads for a reasonable price, rebuilt.
PM me.

dually noted

Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:18 am

Headflow Masters in Vista, CA is highly reputable. The best heads you can get for the price.