How much should i expect to pay at a machine shop

[kyral]

SO i called a machine shop. tried to get a qoute on how much it would cost to get a valve job/lashing and replace the old valve guides.
they qouted me 500$ i feel like this is a bit steep since i was kind of expecting to pay 250-300 for this

is 500 a rip off or is that relatively normal

[derass]

Sounds about right. That's how much I paid for to have the guides, valve job and resurfacing done on a 12 valve head.

[1988montecarloss]

machine shop prices can vary a lot, call a few other local places and see if theyre in line with the others. Not to mention a reputable machine shop will usually charge more than some hole in the wall place

[1slicktwo4oh]

Refurbishing valves, replacing seals, and decking the head doesn't cost much ($200-max $300ish), but I'm sure replacing the valve guides is where most of that price is coming from so I doesn't sound too bad. Hope that gave you an idea. I got mine freshened for $200 (refurbished valve,new seals, decked and shimmed)but I'm in L.A and there are a ton of Jap engine rebuild shops around me.
GLW that

[kyral]

Thanks for the responses. i think i might just try and find a different cylinder head...

[KAT-PWR]

If it's meticulous, it's expensive.

[thegr8one013]

replacing valve guides are expensive, if they do it right, after installing them they measure and machine it down.

Is there any reason you want valve guides installed? The factory valve guides are fine and you will save a lot of money

[cotbu]

Most "reputable" machine shops will charge for the tool change not so much by the hour.
Have heavy block work done is usually cheaper than light headwork. $500 if a quote, is pretty decent for the things you want done, get another person that wants the same thing done and it should cost maybe $35 more, then split the price.:cool:

[EnnEssEnnKAT]

$500 doesn't sound bad. I had an engine done by a machine shop out here and they did quite a few things for me (machining head and block/cylinders, balancing rotating assembly, and refurbishing the components in the head) and that cost me 650.

[kyral]

replacing valve guides are expensive, if they do it right, after installing them they measure and machine it down.

Is there any reason you want valve guides installed? The factory valve guides are fine and you will save a lot of money

The inside of my guide developed a light surface rust from cleaning

[KAT-PWR]

Clean it out, probably not enough to warrant changing the guide.
I believe my head was $300 to replace valve steams, clean, lap valves, shim, and plane

[thegr8one013]

do you have a pic of this light surface rust? because if its light it can just be wiped off with a scotchbrite pad and then just spray it with some wd40 to prevent it from rusting again if its going to be exposed to moisture.

the scotchbrite pad that i would prefer to use is the burgundy one. google "3m 7447"

[kyral]

do you have a pic of this light surface rust? because if its light it can just be wiped off with a scotchbrite pad and then just spray it with some wd40 to prevent it from rusting again if its going to be exposed to moisture.

the scotchbrite pad that i would prefer to use is the burgundy one. google "3m 7447"

Cool i actually started doing that, i didnt know if it was a good idea. but im using wooden dowel to puch a little piece of pad back and forth in the guide. then i was going to lubricate it with assembly lube when i put it back together. think thats a good idea?
its a very light rust, it still smooth inside its just got a layer of light rust

a picture would be like impossible for me cause my camera sucks and i cant get enough lighting to really show you what it looks like inside the guide

[Corbic]

Most shops won't post their numbers because they don't want to start a bidding war.

I post $150, you post $145, I repost $140...

They know people are cheap asses.

Ollies Machine specializes in Aircooled Porsche's and vintage engines. They are highly recommended and priced fair. I would not use them for anything besides that type of work but they do have posted cost break downs.

Use it as reference.

http://www.olliesmachine.com/uploads/Ollies_Price_List_0814.pdf

[derass]

The inside of my guide developed a light surface rust from cleaning

...[maybe] it can just be wiped off with a scotchbrite pad and then just spray it with some wd40 to prevent it from rusting again...

Clean it out, probably not enough to warrant changing the guide.

Yeah, try cleaning them first before spending all that money. Perhaps a Test Tube Cleaning Brush would work well. I found this company that specializes in them, they have small enough diameters and both nylon and brass bristles. https://www.justmanbrush.com/catalog/

Or just find a chemistry type store in your area.

https://www.justmanbrush.com/catalog/common/viewpicture.asp?PictureID=97&Image=l&Type=7

[KAT-PWR]

Any paint supply store will have them as well.

[Kingtal0n]

you want the guide to be tight enough that the valve doesnt deflect/wobble, but loose enough that it glides open and shut smoothly without any detectable sticking.

Using a low lift cam with an OEM or similar gentle spring will help the valvetrain last longer. Always use OEM springs for daily drivers around 350rwhp (sr20) with an appropriate cam like the S3 JWT or a poncam, and a 6500~rpm fuel cut rev limiter, should help it outlive the bottom end. IMO

[SoundEfx]

Look into WPC coating/treatment. I haven't used it personally, but I know of people who have.

[KAT-PWR]

Look into WPC coating/treatment. I haven't used it personally, but I know of people who have.

If I recall correctly the prices for it are ludicrous

[kyral]

this engine build was ballin on a budget, so anything expensive will be avoided.
its my first rebuild. i didnt use a machine shop and didnt want to spend bookoo bucks on a ka to have it throw a rod (though im never doing this again it is a colossal time sink)

[SoundEfx]

If I recall correctly the prices for it are ludicrous

I don't know, but check them out:
http://www.wpctreatment.com/index.htm

Keep in mind that I am in no way affiliated with them.

[KAT-PWR]

I don't know, but check them out:
http://www.wpctreatment.com/index.htm

Keep in mind that I am in no way affiliated with them.

Yeah I know who they are and what they do. I think I'm confusing myself with jet coating as far as price go. WPC in 2011, so it could have changed, would cost you $72 to have all main/rod bearings done. Not too crazy expensive.