I have some bent exhaust valves. When my head gets sent to the machine shop, what kind of work are they exactly doing to the head that can not be done at a mechanic shop?

 

i would assume machining the deck to get rid of warpage (if necessary) and re-doing the sleeve the valves ride on (if necessary)

 

IE...the valve guide. A bent valve can damage the valve guide. Replacing them in an aluminum head can be tricky. Machine shops do that work all the time, whereas a mechanic might not have as much practice.

 

there u go the valve guide ^^ i was trying to think of the word but couldnt remember lol

 

What you need to do is purchase an entire set of valve guides, probly 100-150 through Ferrea. You will also want to buy a new set of valves so they are all fresh and uniform. When the machine shop gets your head they will resurface it and press the guides into the head and install your new valves. Everything should be just peachy when the finished product is received

 

 

Can most local machine shops do a good job or is it variable?

 

want the best of the best go with inlinepro, or laskey racing.

 

can valves, retainers, and springs be replaced without taking it to a machine shop? my friend keeps telling me he can do it without taking it to a shop. He replaced all his valves on his audi rs2 and did not take it to a shop.

 

bring it to a machine shop.