Question for DOCTORBILL

I watched your rebuild with great interest. I am getting redy to do mine and I have a couple of questions.

Where did you suggest I get stainless exhaust valves?

How much did the machine shop charge to rebuild your head?

I have priced out all the rest of the parts but my engine has 242K miles on it and until I take it apart and see how much cylinder wear I have I won't purchase anything. If it is too badly worn it will not go back together and I will have to put her to rest and part her out. Still runs OK but noticed a drop in power and gas mileage so the time is near. Does not use a quart of oil in 3000 miles so maybe I will get lucky wih cylinder condition. I have had it since it was new in 93 and it has been well maintained.

You absolutely need rings. Lots of guys have done a head job on a high mileage engine and found it to suddenly be an oil burner. (which will burn your new valves quickly)

A good look at the cylinder walls will tell you if you need rings, hone and rings, or bore and new pistons.

Here locally in Spokane, WA., the Head job was $135 and I purchased a Gasket
"Set" from the Head Shop on discount.

The whole thing was $195.

I purchased the Stainless Steel Valves by mail order and gave them to the Head Shop
to install.

The Head shop man told me HE could have obtained them for me !
So try asking the Head Shop guy in your area.

Shop around by phone for Head Shop prices - quite variable (like buying tires!).

The place I ordered SS Valves from is on one of my recent posts.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=6107280&postcount=14

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=6105233&postcount=7
scroll nearly to the bottom of the post above.

They are in Canada. They sent the SS Valve set quickly - no worries.

DoctorBill