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| who's the 2.3 16v head guru | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:51 am (1,483 Views) | |
| Daniel | Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:51 am Post #1 |
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Part of things
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whilst I'm cracking on with busywork on the rest of the car, I thought I might whip the head off and send it away to have it refurb'd with a potential mild tune. obviously I can package and send, so location's not a problem, but I'm looking for advice on who to use? also an idea of cost would be useful? thanks in advance Edited by Daniel, Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:53 am.
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| RobertE | Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:06 am Post #2 |
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Serial victim...
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Whereabouts are you? Crewe engines do this and have a decent reputation. Depending on what needs doing, you might get away with a decoke and new guides etc., but a full-on overhaul with new valves all round would probably be a couple of grand all in. They're very friendly - give them a call. They advertise on this forum. Hamlins in Bridgwater (nr. Taunton) are excellent - full engineering facilities - any high-end old car around here has probably seen the inside of their shop. And there are several punters on here who have a fine reputation also... |
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| bri957 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:59 am Post #3 |
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More than part of things
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"The man in a shed". He does the head work for a number of places, but does not advertise his services. Some info here: http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?s=6ec5be1712443f3d8c953b359eb9ce1d&t=103405 |
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| bri957 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:04 pm Post #4 |
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More than part of things
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More info here: http://www.clubgti.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=192726 |
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| RobertE | Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:28 pm Post #5 |
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Serial victim...
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That does not fill me with confidence, tbh... |
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| Stempies | Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:37 pm Post #6 |
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Hot Lips
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Swaymar Engineering Ltd did some fantastic head work for me many moons ago! Used to be in Leatherhead but not sure if they're still going though, worth an internet check i guess! |
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| twopointsix | Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:45 pm Post #7 |
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Addicted
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The M-B Club 16 valve guru is Merparts in Port Glasgow. Many recommendations from Club members who are all delighted with his work. Specialise in tuning and sorting Evos. Paul and Stephano Mazzoni at Merparts are very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. 01473 741236. Would probably be more expensive than the man in the shed, but if he used to do machine work for Bill Blydenstein, he ought to know his stuff. |
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| ks652 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:00 pm Post #8 |
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Part of things
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What would be in involved in a full head recon? What are the pros for doing this? Whats replaced? Porting and polishing would obviously take place here yes? |
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| jeremy | Thu Jul 23, 2009 5:21 pm Post #9 |
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Too Far Gone To Help
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Give Middlesex Rebore a call too . Jeremy
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| Will | Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:16 pm Post #10 |
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Highly Addicted
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There's not a lot to 'tune' on the head to be honest. What you're looking for it to make sure that everything is in good order, cleaned and within tolerance. IMHO, it'll be a case of head off, check for warpage (unlikely, it might want a tiny, tiny skim to clean it up), check the condition of the valves/guides etc (valves should be ok unless cracked, guides may be a little worn). Valves lapped back in, refit the new/cleaned parts as neccessary, new stem seals, re-set all of the valve clearances. Re-fit the head with new head bolts (unless old ones are measured OK - they're stretch bolts, I'd just replace them as they are cheap), new MB gaskets, new timing chain (unless very, very recent and perfect!), maybe a new tensioner if it has the older type fitted. Should be good to go. Bottom ends are very strong on these engines. Will |
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| Daniel | Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:37 pm Post #11 |
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Part of things
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Will.....that's exactly what I'm looking for |
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| Will | Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:29 pm Post #12 |
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Highly Addicted
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Any decent local engineering firm will be able to do this. There will be somewhere close by to you for sure, ask a few of the local garages who they use. You'll probably hear of one place that is recommended more than once, they'll be the ones to go for ![]() I used a place in West London - Jenkins Engineering, who did a great job, were honest, and performed the works exactly as I asked and on time for a realistic charge. Will |
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| ks652 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:36 pm Post #13 |
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Part of things
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Thanks for that info Will, Would porting and polishing be wise or would it be better to leave the masters (cosworth) work at peace! |
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| Will | Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:47 pm Post #14 |
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Highly Addicted
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There's not really much porting to be done. A good clean up is all that is needed IMHO. I think some people have gone a little further but IMHO these cars are fine just as they are when running properly. Will |
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| Will | Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:51 pm Post #15 |
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Highly Addicted
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A few pics of my 2.5-16 head that I did a couple of years back:![]() ![]() ![]() And that all important casting: ![]() Will |
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| ks652 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:08 pm Post #16 |
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Part of things
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Thats MINT Will!! What bhp is a 2.3 16v 1985 putting out from factory? Getting her dynoed on Saturday and il see then how much work I need to do... |
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| stwat | Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:15 pm Post #17 |
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They put out around 185bhp when new. |
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| ks652 | Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:25 pm Post #18 |
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Part of things
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Cheers stwat |
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