valve job - what info needed?

[crankbait09]

I am planning on taking my heads to a non vw machine shop for a valve job.

I will have them disassemble, and clean the head, and obviously check everything that needs replaced.

My engine is a 1300, that has been upgraded to a 1600 (if it matters)
What info should I provide them with, if any? Will they know everything by looking at the existing head/parts/pieces?
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1963 Ragtop

[bugheadred]

[KTPhil]

I've read here...
Many conventional engine builders drive or press in valve guides. On the VW heads the practice is to first chill them in N2 to shrink them. Apparently, leaving this step out leads to cracked heads.
For a "simple" engine there are many subtle little details that make the difference between a short-term runner and a dependable rebuild.
So I agree, search for a VW specialist and save money... do it once, do it right.

[crankbait09]

well my only problem with that, is that I don't have vw machine shops on every corner, let alone near me. I imagine if I go to the VW dealer and ask them, they'll send me to the local machine shop.

I could be dead wrong but I can't imagine everyone that needs a valve job on these engine goes through that chilling process. Like I said I could be wrong, but....damn. That N2 process is hard to imagine.
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1963 Ragtop

[Zundfolge1432]

Unless the heads have sentimental value or they are pristine condition it would be cheaper to buy new.

[crankbait09]

trust me, I've thought of that too. These don't hold value to me, but just thinking of cost.

I've been pricing SP heads that match mine, and it looks like it's about $300 a head, PLUS S/H. that hurts my mind
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1963 Ragtop

[Zundfolge1432]

No way I bought new less than 200 ea.

[crankbait09]

[Helfen]

[crankbait09]

[Helfen]

[Zundfolge1432]

All of the above except not German these are made in China. The castings look as good or better than OE. Have used before no problems. Mofoco does rebuilt heads, I’d ask Roy if you go that direction. But that’s the dilemma rebuilt properly cost as much or more than new and NOS even more than that. How big is your wallet and what are your expectations.

[Sharp64]

From someone that has spent too much time and money dicking around trying first to get heads rebuilt locally and then getting screwed buying “rebuilt” heads that ended up being cracked, I’ll 2nd or third just buying new ones from Mofoco, Aircooled.net or maybe even AA. Buy once, cry once. Locally I got quoted $200/head to rebuild which didn’t include the actual valves. I had some other costs, but by the time I added it up I was at what new cost.

Mofoco offers these: http://www.mofoco.com/item/REBUILT_SINGLE_PORT_VW_CYLINDER_HEAD/239/c68 Rebuit but in doubt you’ll find anyone locally that has a clue.
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1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[bugheadred]

[Zundfolge1432]

When you are thinking of building 50 year old heads how much life even if everything’s right do they have left? How many heating and cooling cycles can they take? Curious but in the beginning VW treated heads as disposable, they did not rebuild and had no provisions for replacing guides.

[Sharp64]

[Zundfolge1432]

[Sharp64]

Have you even established that the heads are bad?
_________________
1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine

[crankbait09]

no. The head surfaces where the gasket sits are pitted and not smooth at all. Not sure what I'd find once valves and everything were removed. With the valve stems pitted, and sheared at the end, figured it would be best to redo all the valves. but when I compare the cost of a valve job, it makes me think twice about new. plus, i don't know anything about the history of the engine or how many miles it has. I certainly don't want to remove the engine anytime soon after this.

so no, nothing has told me bad heads, but they are in rough shape visually.
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1963 Ragtop

[vwoldbug]

I think there are shops in Hamilton Ohio and Dayton Ohio .