I smoked my head gasket the other day (hit 40psi on accident, opps!), I know the head has been on the car for a while and its stock. So I called the local head shop and they want $600 for a valve job and resurfacing, the basics to put the head back into shape. I'm like , so I started calling around they all want about the same price, and then I still have a stock head with stock springs. So looking at the prices online, I might a well just buy a good complete head from a reputable DSM shop on line. I have HKS 272 cams so I want upgraded springs and SS valves. On a budget where should I shop for a head in the DSM community?

Check the market place tab for supporting vendors and freelancers. Also check feedback and reviews.

You are also a proven member so you can check and post in the classifieds.

BogusSVO said:

Check the market place tab for supporting vendors and freelancers. Also check feedback and reviews.

You are also a proven member so you can check and post in the classifieds.

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Will do, Clutch GSX has been PM'ed....

I imagine those $600 quotes are going to include things you may not need. Do you even need new valves, springs, and/or guides? If those parts are fine and your valves are sealing like they should, then consider a resurface job and a new set of stem seals if you're on a budget.

If the whole head is tired and worn and you're wanting to make power, then you got to pay to play. And $600 is just scratching the surface.

99gst_racer said:

I imagine those $600 quotes are going to include things you may not need. Do you even need new valves, springs, and/or guides? If those parts are fine and your valves are sealing like they should, then consider a resurface job and a new set of stem seals if you're on a budget.

If the whole head is tired and worn and you're wanting to make power, then you got to pay to play. And $600 is just scratching the surface.

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Honestly I don't know what I'll need, not a cylinder head guy. The most expensive part of that $600 quote was the valve job, but how do I know whether or not I need one? I do know I want to upgrade my springs and freshen it up while I have it off. So I'm not opposed to just getting it surfaced, removing the springs and changing the seals then put on some BC or SuperTech single valve springs.

For the most part.. the stock springs are weak after 20 years of age and 100k+ miles

I can not think of a 4g head that has not had new springs installed that has left my shop in the past several years.


The head you want and what you need can be 2 different heads.

A decent "stock" replacement head is all you need with a 400hp goal, stock 6T valves will be fine. ported is a great thing to do, but not really needed at this level.

Now if you want 800+ hp, you would want all you can get, OS valves, full port, bronze guides, and every trick in the book.


Best thing is be honest about your power level now, and how much grow room you want.

Looking at your profile it looks like you have a good list of parts to continue upwards with hp goals, if that's what you're after. Figure that out first and foremost. If you are not on a budget, go ahead and look for a good shop to port your head and resurface and get a valve job, get some higher hp valves, ect..... Also, how many miles on the head (car), that could be a great measure as to what shape the seats are in. Chances are if the head has upwards of 100k on it then the stem seals are worn as well, causing carbon buildup on the valve seats, requiring a good valve job to restore.

Just go ahead and look into the well known dsm shops in the vendor area. Granted, if your're looking for a well built street/strip head it will be in the $1000's range.

My bill for my head was only 117 bucks from machine shop why is urs so high.

jed344 said:

My bill for my head was only 117 bucks from machine shop why is urs so high.

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Different shops, different locations, different equipment used.

What all did you have done to your head? Surface and seal swap?