dubcityb20

I have built quite a few in the last 5 years. Im no guru, or highly experienced engine builder like you. I totally agree that asking for a 2nd opinion or extra input IS infact a good thing. There is nothing wrong in asking the question; Is there a better way to do this? Mighty modest, sir.

EG1834

While I don't agree with everything you said, you do make a good point that it really depends more on the quality of the work than just the price of the work. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean the work is poor or vise versa.

Among us machinists, there is a distinguishable difference between a "rebuilder" type machine shop and a "performance" type machine shop. Rebuilders are more likely to do that hokey **** you're talking about, like use belt sanders or whatever, which actually is not the norm in the domestic world. A performance shop will use a proper surfacer, or even a 3 axis CNC machine, although the CNC doesn't mean the work is any better either. Rebuilders have a "turn and burn" type business model to do a lot of work cheaply and make money on volume. Perforance shops typically do charge more because the amount of time and attention to detail put into the work is greater. For example, a local machine shop that does a lot of rebuild type work will surface and do a valve job on an OHV head for about $200. It's not a great valve job, but it's decent and it's not surfaced with a belt sander either. Another guy , who has done work for competitive NMRA/NMCA/NHRA Pro Stock engines as well as GM/Lingenfelter/Katech race engines, charges about $700 just for the valvejob, but the workmanship is impeccable. Then again, some shops will charge a lot more just because they think their work is that great when it really isn't.

I think the best thing to do is shop around and see what kind of reputation each place has before giving them your stuff to machine...or to mutilate. Talk to people at the local track to see who has done good work and who hasn't. Pay attention to how clean and organized the shop is. Someone who takes pride in their work will usually keep their tools clean and their work area organized. Above all, go with your gut. Don't let a shop smooth talk you into a sale by promising you big power or a cheap rate. There really isn't a good indicator to find a good shop, you just have to investigate.

4g hatch

dont forget checking the rod side clearance by making sure there is a tad bit of wiggle!!!

Vazquezm94

Hey man I know you posted that about 3yrs ago do you still do machine work or anything?
Our know anyonethat does?