Has anyone used Empi Gtv heads? 40mm intake, 35.5 mm exhaust

[71beetleconvertable]

Hi Folks

I am debating next steps for my 1915cc build and am interested to hear from anyone who has used this particular head
EMPI - GTV-2 HP CYLINDER HEAD - 40X35.5MM W/SINGLE HI-REV SPRINGS - BORED FOR 94MM
This head needed valve guide reaming after purchased new, then lapping of the valves (full disclosure, the engine lost compression after I overheated it) and, after restoring compression by lapping the valves, compression was lost in # 3 due to a dropped valve seat ( 40 minute drive and did not overheat).

I found a machinist and vw enthusiast who will re and re the exhaust seats and fabricate new seats in order to ensure proper interference fit but I have some concerns. I believe that this head is made in China there are common, and often strong views, that such products are made with inferior metals and should not be used. My supplier has not received returns or complaints about this product. So I am debati

ng between fixing this head or assuming this heads metals are fundamentally flawed and therefor purchase new heads made in US.

[Alstrup]

The problem with those heads is not the alloy, but everything else from the hardware used in them to the port shapes. I would normally say that you should just find another (better) set of heads, but since there are some availability issues you may want to repair these if you want to get on the road fast. I would ask around, maybe at AA to hear if they have a set of 500´s on the shelf.
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=435993

[modok]

I am "concerned" about the alloy used but I have no proof one way or the other. Only time will tell.

The larger issue is the EMPI heads are not better than CB heads in any major way, so of course I will recommend CB heads instead if they are available.

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[71beetleconvertable]

thanks everyone, the idea of all seats being a potential future problem seemed likely so I'll check availability of someone to repair or a vendor to replace. We just had our first snow fall of the year here so I have some time. Thanks again for your assistance