Head work in California

[BobHorvath]

Taken her apart now and I am considering sending off the head. What should I expect to pay and where? I know it depends on seats, guides, valves, springs etc. but just a ball-park please.

 

[roscoe]

The shop I used in Stockton is called Stockton Engine and Machine. Gary or Jeff Walters. They were on N. Union Street the last I knew. They had done plenty of Healey work and did all the cleaning and machine work for me. They built-up the head through putting the valves in and I built-up the rest. They installed Ford valves and seats for me. I have not had any problems in the first 2000 miles. I'd give them an A+. Hope they are still in business. I can't tell you how much the head work alone was but I think my entire bill came to about 1500, and that included having the cam and crank done, and all the bottom end stuff (cam bushings installed etc.), new pistons, rings, connecting rod checks and on an on. I thought it was very reasonable. I had no problems with any fits or clearances during build-up.

 

[dougie]

Bob,

I don't know about Cali, but since I just picked up my rebuild head from my racing Healey I'll share what cost here in Portland, Oregon . Labor only: Glass bean blast iron head clean, install new bronze guides, install new hard seats, install and grind new stainless oversized valves, plane head, measure and record and tolerances.
Total labor bill $ 335.00. Things are a little slow here in the NW. They had my work done in 8 days, which includes 5 days waiting on parts from the UK.

Dougie