If my last ditch effort at cleaning the supposed carbon from the valve fails (probably will, my luck sucks) I'm on to thinking what would benefit me more....

1: Buschur built head (all new valves, springs, seals, port/polish, etc.) and then the appropriate gaskets and head studs equaling about $1850

or...

2: CBRD BBK, build the head my self (new springs, valves, seals... lapping the valves, but no porting) equaling roughly $2025.

In depth head work would be great, but I don't think I'm quite to that point yet. And I've been wanting a turbo, so for a bit more in cost, I think choice 2 is the way to go, plus net me more power and make me happier.

I know this is starting to get a bit off topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread.

 

What valves and springs you thinking of doing?

I vote option 2 as well.

I doubt its carbon deposits, but for all intents and purposes I hope it is for your sake.

 

GSG beehive springs and Supertech valves. Not sure if 1mm over is worth it or not since I'm not really going for power with my head build. More so just refreshing my head. I'm planning on cleaning up the ports, not so much for power gains, but just clean up some casting flash and carbon build up. Same with my intake manifold and exhaust manifold. And then, just lapping the valves of course.

Any donations? I'm going to need at least $2500. By the time I save up the money I'll be due for a timing belt too

 

i know a couple guys makin well over 600hp on stock heads. the heads on our cars are really good. i say go option 2 as well. nothing wrong with 2 birds one stone. but would take it to a machine shop and let them do the valve job. make sure valve isnt actually bent ect. good luck

 

I was only going to lap the valves, to clean up the seats and give the new valves a good mating surface. I did a valve job a long time ago to a set of small block heads when I had access to tools. Too bad the guy blew the bottom end after it was together.

 

How much in machine work for your head?

A good valve job is worth more then anything especially for sealing. I'd pass on +1mm, it won't help you at all. Good choice on springs, I'm currently running them in my head.

 

If you have to replace the headgasket, the intake manifold will have to come off. I removed my intake manifold easily by going under the tb from the top. You will have to remove the majority of stuff in that area to gain access. It's not that hard. I did this when I deleted the EGR and Fuel EVAP stuff. I would suggest doing this mod as well if you plan to remove the head.

 

I am starting to lose a small amount of coolant and have located it to coming out of the headgasket on the front left bottom, near the coolant return to radiator hose. Heres a picture.

Any advice on what to do? I just picked up this car I really dont want to start tearing it apart.

The oil is not contaminated or being eaten up like the coolant, tune is solid. Can i just take off the valvecover and retorque that side headstud?

 

I know this is a VERY old thread but I would like to know what the OP found? I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and am deciding what to do.

Thanks!

JCG