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Going with a HG change real soon. What do I ask to be done on the Head at the Machine Shop? Less is Better right?

thanks!!

03 1.7 vtec ex 2dr auto

 
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Have them hot tank it, check for straightness and mill if necessary. Have them check your valve seals at the same time.

 
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thanks, if they need to mill, must it always be CNC? and no to belt sanding???

 
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To work with MLS head gaskets, the finish needs to be damn smooth, almost like glass.

I think I was told they are machined to around 20 RA at the factory.

I would HOPE that any decent machinist would certainly notice the original finish and get his work as smooth as the original finish.

NO BELT SANDER
and I don't think anyone calls it CNC for this job. I'd just call it milling.

 
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Yup, just check the head and deck it as necessary. Actual machining, not sanding, like ezone said.

 
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im getting machine shop estimates from $200 - $475 without even removing it.

If the head looks good would you skip the machine shop work? or valves & seals need to be serviced @ 125k mi ??

 
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If you can see .00x" variances, then I envy you. Had a machine shop deck my head because there was a .004" variance in the head surface

 
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but you didnt check the block for .00x? maybe the head matches the block?

is the .004 just the shops lie to charge you more?

 
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Buy a precision straightedge and feeler gauges and check it yourself. Then you'll know more than you did.

 
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Maybe, but the (only) shop I go to has done nothing but try and save me money where I could, so I trusted their judgement. First head I brought in (harvested from a spare parts engine i had), dude checked it and told me it was good to go. Second head I brought in (to have on standby in case something happened) is the one that was .004" off. Guy hooked me up with decking it for $50 because he'd seen me so often and we've shot the **** on a regular basis. I guess the normal price for that service was like $150 or so. The second head came in handy when my engine developed bad rod knock.

I've gotten invaluable tips and tricks talking to all the old hot rodders at that shop. Sure, I've caught flak for bringing them rice rocket parts to work with, but it's all in good fun.