How do you guys go about finding a machine shop to do basic work for a rebuild? Not looking to do anything spectacular with the engine but hot tank, spec checks on block and head, hone, valve job, etc. I would walk in with the head and stripped down block. Do you actually walk in and interview the owner and/or the machinist? How much ballpark should I expect to pay? The one shop I've looked at advertised all those basic operations for a grand which I think is insane.

Are there things I should be looking out for that might be specific to a honda? My friend had head work done at a shop that turned out to be incompetent and it was a long sad story.....I'd like to avoid a repeat. Any advice is welcome.

 

Best advice I can give is to ask around. Check local tuners, local repair shops that do engine work and not just tune-ups. Remember that when it comes to skilled work, like most things, you get what you pay for. If somebody offers a price that seems too good to be true, it's probably not the best job. Most shops will use the same machine shop constantly for their work, as reliability and turn-around are important. Ask what they offer, what kind of experience they have (what they've worked on, what kind of engines, etc.), what kind of equipment/lathes/machines they use, and what exactly they're going to do to your motor. If they're honest and upfront, they will be more than happy to explain this to you. Best of luck!