So, I have an oil leak coming from my head gasket. Not a big leak and probably something that's going to be stable (so to speak) because it's so mild. Since the head will most likely have to come off to fix this issue would it be worth it to have it ported (or even built!) while it's off? My VIII is modded with mostly bolt ons (272s, IX turbo, TBE, MBC, ported stock mani/10.5, and Ebay O2). I'm not too sure what direction I want to go with my car (stroker is tempting me), but in any event I can say for certain I will not get a bigger turbo until AT LEAST next summer.

Since the head would come come off anyway why not do something to it, right?
Unless of course the price to performance would make it a waste right now with what I'm running.

Thoughts?

 

it is definitely worth it if you go with a bigger turbo, but i think the most important part of having this kind of work done is who is doing it? i am sure if you do a search you will find this is a pretty touchy subject.

 

I agree with you 100% there. If it gets done, I will take it to Jackson Auto Machine. Their reputation is golden.

It just seems that head work is for guys with 500whp. I'm not in that category of course, which is why I'm hesitant and am looking fo input.

 

At the very least I would get better valve springs and retainers. With those you would be able to run higher lift cams such as Revolvers or Juns. That's what I would like to do, but I also keep making my car less and less streetable so what I would do may not be the best thing to do.

-Paul

 

Contact "darkhorse" on here he knows alot about this.

 

With the use of small cams (HKS 272) and small turbo, the improvement is going to be limited. The small cams can't really allow you to make use of the lift ranges where the improvements are the greatest, and the small turbo just can't move enough air to test the limits of the ports.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and want more power, you're better off saving it for that larger turbo.

 

A good multiangle valve job will be the most cost effective improvement in head flow.

 

so basically either get the bigger turbo first or know for a fact that you are going that route than you should get the headwork done. and JAM is definitely good from what i hear

 

I agree with Ted B, use the money for other upgrades prior to doing the headwork. It'll be a waste at this point with your mods.

 

That quote ^^ would be my answer to this quote...


like Socamr said.....dont waste your money on the headwork if you are not going to upgrade your turbo. if you are 100% sure you are going to upgrade, then do all the work to the head. it wont be as useful with your bolt-on mods, but when you get the bigger turbo, then the cams and valvetrain will help much more at that point.