Jump to content

Recommend me a head shop


Snoozin

Recommended Posts

Datsun needs a head freshen up, I wish to drop my head into a reputable establishment for a hot tank clean, skim, valve stem seal replacement etc etc

Hit me with some recommendations please folks! Value for money is appreciated but quality is paramount.

Cheers,

Rich

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Be very careful with Lynn if you want it done this century. Also he would be THE most expensive option in NZ probably. Obv his work is very well regarded but for a simple freshen up then it's probably not worth the expense IMO.

I've been dealing with Engine Specialties on the shore recently. Their work is definitely well regarded too but I did have some problems with communication. They did some work that I didn't ask to have done and tried to charge me for it (straightening crank) - when I argued the point and said they should have called me first they took it off the bill. I have been back since and had a good experience and I will happily go back again. They're happy to deal in cash to which is always a bonus.

I suggest getting a written quote regardless of where you go. This stops any unexpected costs slipping in that you weren't prepared for.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had my escort head acid dipped, a crack fixed, new exhaust valves (had to be made) and new valve springs all over + hardened valve top caps for $1000 and it took about a week from memory from lyn rogers. I didnt think the pricing was that bad but maybe others are cheaper. Also, they did call me when they wanted to do something different to what was discussed

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can I ask what some of you guys have paid for work at the above recommended places? ^ the above sounds pretty good if they had to make new valves etc, depends how much work that took I guess

Over here I had my 455 head tanked, skimmed, crack tested, valve job & guides done for $430 (AU) which I thought was pretty reasonable compared to some stuff I have had done in NZ. Just asking as prices seems to vary wildly when it comes to simple head work

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For $500 from Engine Specs mentioned above I had my 4age race head cleaned, decked to a specified combustion chamber volume, 16 valves checked for straight, of which 8 were replaced, new valves turned down to fit existing seats, valves and seats resurfaced (5 axis from memory), valve springs checked and shimed to increase spring pressure, and reassembled.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ive had 3 heads sorted out (tank/crack test/hardness, deck, grind valves/seats+pressure test) by franklin cam services and found him to be well priced, professional &

on schedule, (i allways get him to grind some lump into my bro-shaft while hes at it too, as its what the cool guys do) and have always been happy with the result, i like the fact that he

has an apprentice, has a busy workshop & is knowledgeable & open to un-judgemental conversation about what you are up to, free from up-sell pressure.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I walk part that shop often, never been in.

Will check them out once I get a head for my engine rebuild.

It'll be worth it, the guy does real good work :)

I had a good yarn to the owner out at Puke last year. He seemed like a really nice guy.

Yeah he's real cool. He's always happy that we take heads in from weird old cars haha.

And his work is pretty damn quick too

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Leading Edge Cylinder Heads - http://www.finda.co....cylinder-heads/

Pricey, but worth it.

we used to use these guys at my old work, and he was very helpful when i built my last engine, he priced up fixing the heads i had and it was cheaper to buy some new alloy ones. he then went over the new heads i bought and specced a cam and valvesprings to suit the combination. cant remember the cost but i thought it was very reasonable for what he did and supplied, especially after not fixing the heads i originally had. he still has the same guy working for him as when i started my apprenticeship in 1996

Link to comment
Share on other sites

$280 to have the Hillman's head (cast iron 4 cylinder OHV) cleaned, crack tested, hardness tested, valves ground, one new valve seat insert, one new valve fitted, new stem seals fitted, pressure tested, skimmed, reassembled and painted. Oh and a free frostplug installed.

Gerard from GK Engine Reconditioners, Ellerslie.

Work was done in a matter of hours (inbetween other jobs)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

we used to use these guys at my old work, and he was very helpful when i built my last engine, he priced up fixing the heads i had and it was cheaper to buy some new alloy ones. he then went over the new heads i bought and specced a cam and valvesprings to suit the combination. cant remember the cost but i thought it was very reasonable for what he did and supplied, especially after not fixing the heads i originally had. he still has the same guy working for him as when i started my apprenticeship in 1996

We've dealt with Dwight for a few years now. To be honest tho we have never used him for light duties.

Hes crafted some awesome head/cam combos for our 202, 4G63T, 2.0 Pinto and now 308/355 Holden.

If Marsh uses him, he must be ok...

Was the guy that works for him the indian dude that use to have the MK5? Cortina with a sleeper Pinto?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...