Picked up a vtec head, Need a machine shop
 

Picked up a D16y8 head for my Y7 block and its kinda filthy, I was wondering can I clean and prep it myself or I should give it to a machine shop to do? Any machine shops recommended by members here or sponsors? and roughly how much does it cost?

Also wondering if I can make any upgrades to the head before installing it? not planning to drop alot of money in this, just looking if I can make 1 or 2 cheap but effective upgrades.

Also wondering if I can re-use my current timing belt/tensioner, since I just installed it 2 months ago.

thanks in advance!

some pics:

http://i34.tinypic.com/v7uk1z.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/11k84cz.jpg

nobody going to help me out here? haha

I personaly would take it apart and clean it myself.. to learn, and to save some money.

as for upgrades, I cant help you there.. I dont know much about it.

first thing you should do is make sure the deck isn't warped

Have you done the cleaning yourself? I'm clueless as to what chemicals and process to use. you got any link with some info? I'd appreciate that.

I would take everything apart and bag it all (remember what goes where)

clean it with a wire brush and varsal or a carbon cleaner.. (dont brush to hard)

edit; I havent cleaned a honda head, but done it on chevys

hoesntly...i dont remember how to do everything, i did it all in highschool like once. but go to like princess auto, get yourself a bench top parts washer for like 50 bucks, they also have earth friendly solution out now so you wont wreck your hands with like varsol. Best thing to do also is get a manual like a hanes or something that shows the break down of a head. your going to need a couple of really odd looking tools for re-seating your valves and such.

check that too, dont do all that work if its not worth it.

^ word, it was dropped once so it would be a good idea to check it out. how can I check for the warpage.

I already go the valve seating tool from princess auto and I cant wait to start taking it apart, but something tells me I should take it somewhere to get it checked for cracks, warpage, etc.. before I start putting more time/money into it.

Just call up any machine shop and see what they can do.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/ic697.htm

^^ nice little find

thanks for the link!

the home valve job...scary. so when a keeper pops out due to inexperienced assembly and the engine blows, will you still be excited? there is a lot to know....chev heads i would say try it but not a honda head. there is a reason why head machines cost $30,000. ask zeeman.

honda heads dont crack but the do warp from over heating which is an easy fix for a capable shop. a valve job should run you anywhere from $220-$250 again from a capable shop. resurfacing should be around $50-$60 you can get a bit more power from taking .040 off the head increasing compression a point. chances are you will need exhaust guides which is another $150 including oem guides. i would get another timing belt but thats me, inspect it for unusual wear.

from the pic it does look like #1 cylinder was leaking, see the discolouration around the outside of the combustion chamber and the white exhaust valves. good luck.

a good shop is gord bush performnce...i have known gord for 30+ years (my father used to be partners with him...ie leitner & bush performance)

thanks for the info.

any idea what could be the reason for this? is this a valve issue or something else? would a valve job get rid of this problem?

thanks

I recommend gord bush performance as well. He did all of my machine work for my turbo civic and his prices were reasonable. There are also a lot of good machine shops in scarborough depending where you are located.

imo that head is in terrible shape, it looks as if its never had an oil change, get it resurfaced by a shop, yes its fairly expensive