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Posted by: jsayre914 Jan 25 2010, 10:57 AM

I just got a email from Len Hoffman today. He is focused on producing new Heads, not rebuilding used ones anymore

Every time i do a search, it always leads to LEN. Who can I send my 2.0 heads to now?? I need to get on this 2056 build.

any other recomendations???

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 25 2010, 11:08 AM

Call Bug World in Yoe. The guy is back working more or less full time I think, now that the harley plant is closing. If he won't do them, he will be able to suggest someone who can, maybe even someone local.

I think someone mentioned FAT doing them as well.

Zach

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 25 2010, 11:11 AM

Problem I got was guys wanting the work done then whining about the price to do the job right.

The other issue for me is I'm in Canada, adding another $60-$80 to the shipping. Plus there's just not a enough work to leave equipment set-up for just VW heads.
To me it's just not worth it.

Posted by: StratPlayer Jan 25 2010, 11:16 AM

I think this outfit is under new managment. Good Luck, Toll free # to call on the site..

http://rimcovw.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=141_149_191

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 25 2010, 11:23 AM

you can call lyle cherry (I don't have his #, but it's on the interwebs) down here in Dallas area, but he wasn't cheap, either... $600 for both, IIRC? for a stock rebuild. I've heard mixed reviews of RIMCO's work, but if they are under new mgmt...

Posted by: Tonyiz Jan 25 2010, 11:28 AM

KAWELL RACING.....This guy is legendary in the world of VW Engines. When you call you get him. Be prepared to be on the phone a while he loves this stuff and will talk your head off with any info you want.

RIMCOVW......This place is also a go to place for machine services of vw engines.

I've used both in the past and have never had a problem.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jan 25 2010, 12:39 PM

I think last year I heard that RIMCO was no onger doing VW heads. The price sheet that was posted seems to indicate otherwise, though. Give them a call, Joe. They have been doing heads for ages, and they look well priced. You will need to tell them what you want, though (bigger valves, fly cutting, etc.) Might be worth while to have a talk with Jake about your engine design (assuming you are getting parts through him) and ask what he would have done. If you buy a cam kit through his shop, they will be happy to guide you on the best configuration for it.

Zach

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 25 2010, 01:36 PM

Rimco does good seat installations but not finish work.
The only person I have found to do work worth a hoot on used castings is Adrian at Headflow Masters, but don't expect anything other than standard work even on ports.

Used castings are getting older and older every day, I can't believe it took Len as long as it did to pull the plug on used casting work. I've been 100% new castings since 2004 and never looked back.

Between cracked castings, stripped exhaust studs, stripped plug holes and "idiot modifications" the days of producing a top quality. Set of heads from used castings are over.

Posted by: 904svo Jan 25 2010, 01:45 PM

Do yourself a favor and buy new heads from Jake, for the extra cost you get
NEW heads !! Thats what I did, no more waiting for a valve failure and they flow better.

Posted by: Randal Jan 25 2010, 01:46 PM

I would recommend Len over anyone, but if he isn't doing it then call Jay at Jay's Precision Machine in San Jose, (408) 980-0743.

He has the time (now) and does great work.

Talk to Dan Thompson for recommendations.

And if you have any questions or want help there are a bunch of us 914 guys here in Silicon Valley that can be a source for you.

Posted by: kconway Jan 25 2010, 01:51 PM

European Motor Works in Hawthorne, CA. Jorge can do it.

Posted by: hydroliftin Jan 25 2010, 02:21 PM

I would agree. Jay did all of the machine work on my 2.0 build. He has been working on VW & Porsche heads for over 30 years and seems to know what he is doing.

Posted by: Randal Jan 25 2010, 02:24 PM

Not well known but Jay does most of Jerry Wood's machining work. I can send you a picture of my (trick) 2.0 heads that he did, after Jake sent me the dual springs and matching fuel injection cam.

Posted by: Sleepin Jan 25 2010, 02:26 PM

Al Johnsen at AJRS ((970) 245-8685) here in Colorado. He is fairly booked up for the winter though from what I hear.

Posted by: kwales Jan 25 2010, 02:41 PM

That sucks.

So does that mean Len won't do work on virgin NOS factory heads?

I might have come into a set. Won't know for sure untill I pull them off the engine but from all that I can see from under the engine, it appears true.

Ken

Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Jan 25 2010, 03:05 PM

Walt Watson, Competition Engineering, Lake Isabella, CA
Engine Machine Service, Inglewood, CA

I've used both for decades (CE since 1973, EMS since 1985). Both are as good as they come. If you're a CSOB, please don't bother them ............

The Cap'n

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 25 2010, 03:12 PM

Just for the sake of asking, what is the cost for a stock set of "new" head castings with a standard valve job?

No thick shit just stock heads ready to bolt on.

Posted by: 914Sixer Jan 25 2010, 03:30 PM

I just checked Autohausaz.com for 2.0 Bus heads. On sale right now for $426 EACH. They would make good cores and I am not sure they would be acceptable to Len but that is what he used for my LE 180 heads.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 25 2010, 04:25 PM

We buy new castings and then totally strip them of all their hardware to produce the RS and LE series heads. New heads have great castings but horrible hardware and machining. We have a 55 gallon drum full of stripped new junk parts to sell to one of the mass producers soon...

A new off the shelf head is certainly not the answer.
The only new heads Len works with are for my program. Even if you supplied him new cores and if he were to do the work on them they'd still cost more than a set of RS or LE heads.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 25 2010, 04:48 PM

In January 2008 I purchased a pair of Leading Edge 180" CNC 2.0 Replica 914 #7506 new heads with the (3) stud intake pattern for just a little over $2K. Prices have probably gone up a little with cost increases.

I am extremely satisified with the heads and my Raby #9550 cam & misc stuff for my recent camshaft replacement. I learned pay now or pay lots later when the old equipment with 30-plus years of heat cycling fails.

BTW: Everything was purchased through Mr. Raby with his recommendations. Happy customer.

Tom

Posted by: pete-stevers Jan 25 2010, 04:59 PM

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 25 2010, 06:33 PM

Sorry to drop this bomb on you guys! It has been coming for a while now.

I've watched as the quality of the used cores has just steadily gone down hill. I can no longer accurately forecast turnaround for used heads and that effects every order that I have in the shop. With the increase in 986/996 head work, (which is easy to forecast turn-around on) and the success of our program based on new heads it has become detrimental to my business to keep offering remanufacturing of used castings. I just never know what I'm going to find with the darn things! Most of the heads that I see these days have been through the hands of another shop, usually a hack. Some of the mutilation can't be undone.

I know that most, if not all of the folks on this forum are hard working people with not a lot of money to spend on their toy. Jake and I are going to do everything we can to keep prices affordable and we will be offering a basic package that will sell for not a hell of a lot more than the cost to reman used heads.

For folks who want to find a shop to work over their used heads I will be selling a rebuild kit. It will come with everything that I used to rebuild these heads. Valves, springs, retainers, guides, valve seats, ground keepers and HD rocker studs. The price will reasonable and at least you'll know you're getting good stuff.

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 25 2010, 06:35 PM

I should also point out to anyone who currently has used heads in my shop I will be completing those orders as agreed. But once they are done it will be new only.

Posted by: jsayre914 Jan 25 2010, 06:43 PM

I do understand where you are comming from, and I would love to get a set of new Heads, I just need to save up a bit more.

Thanks for all that you have done for us,

I am interested in the kit, if you could direct my heads to meet your kit in the hands of the right person.

Joseph

Posted by: Brando Jan 25 2010, 09:27 PM

FAT Performance in Santa Ana, CA.

Just be sure to give them SPECIFICS on what you want.

Ollie's down here used to do them. They would take a LOT of convincing to touch a pair of Porsche 2L heads.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 25 2010, 09:40 PM

So are you saying a basic set of new heads for a stock 2.0 are $ 2000.00? No frills no porting, just good hardware and seats?

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 25 2010, 09:59 PM

Rick,

Here's a photo of the heads I purchased from Raby & supplied by Len back in 2008 per my post. In my opinion a lot of modifications & upgrades were included from the basic stock castings. It was all on Raby's website when I purchased & fully explained.

Tom


Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 25 2010, 10:18 PM

Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 25 2010, 10:28 PM

I guess my question is do they have to cost $ 2000.00?

Are there no head sources now other than getting completely modified $ 2000.00 heads?

Your heads look nice Tom but what if you just want to freshen a 2.0 with stock parts?

My question still is what does it cost for a set of new no frills heads?

Posted by: 904svo Jan 25 2010, 11:10 PM

The heads are AMC heads made for a bus engine, Len changes the valves and
seats, installed heavy duty valve springs, and retainers and cleans them up as far as I know.

Len or Jake can give you a better answer as to what is done.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 26 2010, 06:44 AM

Rick & 904svo,

This is not intended to discourage anyone from buying Len's heads, but you are correct they are AMC Buss heads cast in Spain. I didn't test the metallurgy when I had a chance, but assume it's the same or better because it's new. My engine guy Primo Petrucci said the basic heads cost under $500 bucks than you have to do the modifications that Len performs. Labor is money & that's what you pay for confidence in the product & builder. I looked into my file and can't find the AMC price list, but did find an ad for a set of performance type 4 part # 039.101..061MHP heads SCAD @ $1,640.00 Canada ($1,623.00 U.S.) dated 6/26/2008 on a web site www.germansupply.com Manufactured in Canada by germansupply. This stuff can also be found in the VW books. My engine builder is also one of the best out there, Primo Petrucci (Farmington Hill, MI. ph# 248-474-5007) and his head rebuilds go for around $500 to $800 each (done right), so you can see that a pair of NEW heads @ $2k is worth it.

I agree Len is the leader in Type-4 Porsche Head technology along with Jake Raby's team effort & I strongly recommend them. The quality was there!!!

Tom

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 26 2010, 07:45 AM

www.germansupply.com is just a small reseller here in Canada, maybe a little bigger than myself and I know Scott doesn't even own a mill. They do have a web site.
I wouldn't say AMC castings are better, but they are new so no exhaust studs or head cracks to deal with.

I have a set that I wanted $1600pr finished and shipped. My cost new stainless steel Si valves $100, new guides $40, dual springs, $45, retainers, $35 keepers $15, seats $24, studs $40, rocker studs $40, so that makes $250 in new parts, cores cost me $500
Plus a crap load of labour and the cost of the tooling.
Lucky for me they are built on crack free Canadian cores so no welding.

I've had them for sale here at $1600 finished, even less when I was after my 3.0 engine, but I've decieded to keep them as spares (for my bug) rather than give them away.
I have another core set that are totally perfect, I would want $800 for those cores, but again if I have to give them away they stay in my stash.

Just saying when and if someone is crying over the price....

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 26 2010, 08:34 AM

Yes, they DO have to cost that much.. The cost of the new AMC heads has gone up since the major importer of them went out of business last year. Others are still working from their old stocks (because they do not use as many of the heads as we do) and they have not experienced the cost increases yet. They sill see the increases when they replenish their stocks over time..

These heads have all updated hardware to include valve seats that Len has the absolute best process for installing with high reliability and longevity. We've used these heads on all sorts of engines and have the LE series heads performing all over the world.

A set of them is being used to travel from the southern tip of Africa to the northern tip in just a few months, those same heads have already gone from Amsterdam to Beijing China last summer for the Olympics and saw ambient temps of 130F+ with every extreme condition on the planet being encountered.

On top of the work that Len does comes the CNC procedures on the LE series heads which adds to the cost as well. we started the CNC program in 2005 and these heads have remained the only truly developed CNC offering in the TIV corner of the industry. The CNC procedures give exacting chamber volumes and shapes as well as closely matched intake and exhaust ports. That accuracy breeds power and a smooth running engine with great combustion balance.

Since Len has done away with the rebuilding of core castings he and I have agreed to bring back an older non CNC offering that will fill the void that was left by his decision not to rebuild heads any longer. These heads are more cost effective than any current offering because they can be more heavily produced by Len and can have a near immediate turn around time. They'll be useful for all engines up to 2056cc with up to 130HP of output possible.

Most people have heads that they think are perfect. When Len or I see them we start noting all the shoddy repairs and casting flaws they have and the price quickly skyrockets. The average price for rebuilding a pair of customer supplied cores is 1,000-1600.00 and thats to rebuild a set of cores that saw their best days in the 1980s. Consider that and the cost of a new pair of heads with exceptional hardware and labor based on new castings starts to look like the best return on the investment- because it is.

You'll never read of an LE series head having a failure, because it doesn't happen. Attaining that level of superiority doesn't come at a cheap price.

Mark's heads sound like a great deal at 1600 bucks and I have seen his work in person... The price is about normal for that much work into a set of OE cores.

Posted by: johnnie5 Jan 26 2010, 09:40 AM

Adrian Audirac - Headflow Masters, here in North County San Diego (Vista), is who I was going to recommend. My friends in the buggy community have been using him for years for hipo TI and TIV builds. The heads on my McMark 2056 are from him. When I picked up my motor from Mark, and I asked him who did the heads, I was surprised to hear him say Adrian at Headflow Masters. I always considered him good, but didn't realize he had that much of a following... Even Jake gives him an honorable mention.

Headflow Masters - 760.727.1827

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 26 2010, 09:53 AM

Thanks Jake. That's the info I was looking for. It was looking like the only option moving forward would be hi-end CNC dressed bling. There seemed to be a gap from having your local chevy machine shop weld and repair your old cracked heads and buying overkill for an engine that will either be put into daily service or see more garage time than a garden rake in winter. There is a difference between being a CSOB and having a practical threshhold for a hobby.

I'm really into what you and Len do. I can see where you are going and want to go in your evolution.


So... back to my original question. How much are a set a cookie cutter heads going to cost.

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 26 2010, 10:22 AM

No prices will be posted by Jake or I on this forum. That is out of respect for the forum itself. This is a pace for entusiast to swap info and talk about their passion ( it's mine too! I race a 914 and love the cars!). Even though I own a business that services this niche, I would hate to see it get commercialized to the extent that businesses are quoting prices back and forth.
Jake is my distributor. Please contact him for head prices, or me for head rebuilders kit prices.
This is a link to Jakes store.
www.type4store.com
This is a link to my site.
www.haminc.biz

Posted by: johnnie5 Jan 26 2010, 10:41 AM

Respectful and with class.... a lesson could be taken by...ahem...other....people, who seem to think this forum is their personal solicitation area for their business.

Posted by: Mark Henry Jan 26 2010, 10:43 AM

Here's what I charged.
Cost per head would be a low of $150-200 for a simple regrind of the valves, some guides (but not all), cut the seats, clean it up and slap the old hardware and valves back on.
Or to full stud and seat repairs, welding, flycutting, porting, blending, cut for dual springs, shim the springs, parts, etc and I'd say about $800.

That's a good approximate going price per each head.

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 26 2010, 10:50 AM

Now for a brief introduction to the AMC castings. They are FAAARRR superior to older castings as they have not been heat cycled a gozillion times over the past 35+ years. And that's not the end of the advantages. The AMC castings are stronger with more material in the ex port area.

Now for a not so brief intro into some of the quirks of the T4 head design.

All T4 heads are weakest in the ex port area. If you can put your hands on a T4 head look into the ex port from the outlet side. Notice that it cuts directly beneath the combustion chamber. Also make note of how ~ 1/3 of the seat is supported by about 1/4" of aluminum and hangs out over the port itself. This is the hottest area of the head as well as the skimpiest area of the head with regard to material. Under heat and pressure the casting droops down into the port. You can't see it, but when you re-cut the valve seats it is obvious. It is a well established fact that the AMC heads hold a valve job better than the old O.E. castings. Between heat cycle fatique and less material the older heads just don't withstand the rigors of even mild performance engines with any degree of consistency. Some hold up well and were obviously lower milage cores, while others turn to putty pretty damn quickly.

All T4 heads, it doesn't matter if it's a new AMC or older O.E. will develop some leakdown past the valves over time. The hotter they run the sooner it will happen. Gotta love the aircooled engines! The difference is that the AMC heads hold the valve job longer and when they do start to see leakage it is not of a degree that is consequential, unless the heads are over heated. Remember, aluminum melts at around 1450*'s and it gets extremely soft at 1200*, which is the ball park of the optimum full throttle EGT for power. Run you EGT's up and you will develop ex valve leakage. [/i]Fortunately the leakage doesn't hurt power or reliability;proved that on the dyno and track. Our House prepped 1.8 race heads based on O.E. castings /SCCA rules start out with 0 leak down around the valves and end up with 30% around the ex valves! We live with it because it doesn't hurt power and there just isn't a damn thing we can do about it.

Please understand that I sympathize with owners who want to build an engine on a budget and aren't looking for anything more than stock performance. I know it's tough to swallow the cost of a new pair of heads. But there is a harsh reality to be dealt with; on average the cores that I have been seeing for the past year or so have ranged in quality from junk to marginal, with occasional cherries. I just can't run my business with an inconsistent core supply, hence the move.

Posted by: ericread Jan 26 2010, 11:01 AM

When I look at Jake's type4store head pricing, is the price listed per head, or is it for a pair of heads?

Eric

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 26 2010, 11:06 AM

Always per pair.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 26 2010, 11:17 AM

with Mark's estimates being around 800/head for rebuilding(similar to other places I know of, btw) 2000 for a pair of new heads does not seem unreasonable at all. especially with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the weakest part of the original engine is now very strong and reliable.

I'm sure RIMCO and other shops are cheaper, but you might have to get them done again in a few years, or in a few years they may be trash... meaning that money bought you a little time before having to spend $ on proper heads or proper head work from Len, Adrian, or Mark or someone else you really trust. trust and quality are not cheap tho... I know from experience

Posted by: Larouex Jan 26 2010, 11:21 AM

This is a fascinating thread to me. I planned to do a GA rebuild in the late summer and the amount of data and research on this topic and the expertise of Jake/Len has me very confident of building a great new, engine. The costs have me a little nervous, but I will adapt to that <g/>

Larouex

Posted by: ericread Jan 26 2010, 11:21 AM

Whew!

That really scared me for a minute...

Looks like I'll be investing in a set of new heads this spring.

Eric

Posted by: RoadGlue Jan 26 2010, 12:41 PM

There are still usable used 2.0 castings out there. Sure, some need work, but that's always been the case with the 2.0 heads. My local machinist (a very close friend) has been working with Porsche and VW aircooled heads for the better part of my life and I trust him to be able to look at my parts and determine if they're destined for the scrap pile or if they have life left in them.

I understand that it's usually easier and likely more rewarding for the machinist to work with a clean new casting, but can someone explain why the old castings are ticking time bombs? I can see that a head that's been surfaced or rebuilt too many times simply can't be rebuilt to spec and should be considered scrap, but an unmolested head can be reliably rebuilt.

There are a lot of air cooled cars that are much older than 914s that are still running around reliably on the road with original heads castings. The cost of new heads takes the FUN out of rebuilding a T4 motor. Compared to the cost of what the cars are going for, it just doesn't add up to spend 2k for T4 heads. Obviously that's my opinion, but I'm sticking to it. This car has many lures and the fact that it's still relatively inexpensive to work on is one of the bigger ones.

My 2 cents,

Posted by: RoadGlue Jan 26 2010, 12:45 PM

I'd also like to point out that I've never had a head issue with the numerous daily drivers that I've had over the past decade. I don't exactly baby my cars either.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 26 2010, 12:54 PM

Randy,

Throwing the baby out with the bath water isn't an otion for many of us. Some of these cars only see the road 8-10 times a year. (around here any way..) Spending $ 2000.00 for heads on a fun car that will run and function when you want to make a weekend run doesn't make practical sense in my book.

Rust repair, suspension and brake repairs and sorting out electrical issues and F.I. stuff is enough of a wet blanket.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 26 2010, 04:18 PM

Because they have been heat cycled millions of times, overheated thousands of times and generally have had very little attention from anyone that has a clue about the TIV engine since they were new.

When I went to 100% new heads 6 years ago it had NOTHING to do with how clean or dirty the heads were or what was easier to work with. I based it on the fact that we were using the most critical, hottest running portion of the engine and asking it to perform in even a more demanding fashion three decades after it was new.

Replacing and updating all the components around the heads but not replacing their castings didn't make much sense to me and it still doesn't. It was a different story when the cars were only a few years old, maybe two decades old, but now most every head has a crack, has been on an engine thats blown up, has stripped exhaust studs or broken fins.


I once heard Len tell someone "If I had a dollar for every virgin TIV head I have encountered I couldn't even buy a sandwich with the money". That is very true and I'll say the same thing. In the majority of situations heads are thought to be good but once they are stripped, cleaned and have a trained eye check them out the story is generally much different.


How many of those engines are still producing the original amount of power they did when new? How many are making 50% more power? How many are being asked to participate in endurance style competition with elevated head temps? How many are being applied to engines that are not perfectly tuned?



But that cost is required if you want to make the engine worthy of any type of expenditure. Some things in life are required. Spend the money now or spend more money and waste more time later.


Tell that to the 44 people that made the leap last year and purchased these heads. In fact over time the amount of 914 enthusiasts that are willing to spend this amount of money for proper cylinder heads has increased over the past few years. In times past our conversion engines and sales have been higher than 914, but now the 914 is finally seeing the investment that it deserves.


These engines and cars aren't inexpensive to work with.. You can restore a Corvette for less than a 914 done properly.

Thats my 2 cents and I live, eat and breathe these cars and engines and have for the past two decades.

As Len and I have stated, since his desire to rebuild core heads has gone away we are working toward the ability to provide higher volumes of production heads developed for lower performance/ stockish engines for less money. The volume of sales we have will determine just how much these new offerings will sale for. At the same time we are working to keep these units IN STOCK for immediate delivery and that will be implemented some time in the spring.

Its pretty simple.. If you want a car to look pretty and you don't plan on driving it then the expenditure for a properly outfitted engine is less of a concern. I don't know many people that have a 914 for any other reason than to drive it. Our goal is to produce engines, components and sub-systems that allow the vintage car to be driven EVERY DAY in any climate and be effective. We also don't recommend that our purchasers have AAA coverage to cover their break downs, because they won't be needing it.

Posted by: RobW Jan 26 2010, 04:25 PM

Both Randy and Jake make good points, but don't forget... even the lowly 914 has raped owners for decades when it comes to parts cost and upkeep.

Posted by: McMark Jan 26 2010, 05:17 PM

Rob, I agree, but I would say 'surprised', not 'raped'.

Posted by: jmill Jan 26 2010, 05:29 PM

I think all of us can see the point. I don't blame anyone who chooses not to work on old beat up heads. Why put lipstick on a pig? For some, myself included, 2k is hard to swallow. We'll either save up or attempt to find someone to save our old heads. It is sad to see that the "go to guy" for old heads is no longer an option.

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 26 2010, 05:39 PM

I agree with everything Jake just said and some of what Randy said.

I know that spending big money on a pair of heads for you car is not fun. No one see's them once they are installed. You can't continue to admire them when they are beneath the sheet-metal.
But we are not throwing the baby out with the bath water. If anything we are taking risk to ensure that those out there who do want the highest possible quality cylinder heads have that option. Trust me the decision was not made lightly. As a business man it is tough to turn down work, so I put the decision off for several years until it just became a no-brainer. Jake made that commitment in '04! And his business has grown during those years. Perhaps it is because he doesn't compromise his kits and turnkey engines with a hodge-podge of used heads?

If we had a consistent source of quality cores then that would be peachy. Unfortunately it's true that I couldn't buy a decent lunch if I had a dollar for every truly cherry pair of T4 heads I've seen in the last 4 years.
(Which reminds me. I will work over a pair of O.E. NOS heads. Years ago a well known 914 vendor showed me a pair NOS 2.0 heads still in the cosmoline. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him now was the time to replace the valve seats!)

If you want the best possible engine you will not use 35 year old heads. My business was built on the idea of providing my customers with what I feel is the best quality available at the best price possible, not providing the lowest price possible and tailoring the quality to fit that lower price.

Posted by: Chris Hamilton Jan 26 2010, 05:40 PM

That must be one hell of an engine if it keeps me from getting nails in my tires

I know that isn't what you meant but everyone with a 914 should have AAA.

Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Jan 26 2010, 06:44 PM

I agree, it's been nearly 3 decades since I last saw unmolested 914/T4 heads. In fact, I remember the last set I saw. An original owner '71 914 that was about 20 years old, and we did the motor because of the age and mileage, not because it ran badly. It's interesting that I just found in my stash 2 sets of 356A heads that have never been touched, still with the bronze intake seats!

The Cap'n

Posted by: kwales Jan 26 2010, 07:08 PM

I dunnow.....

There might be virgins in the world......

Wonder if they might look like this.

The DAPO said he installed them, put the engine back in the car, the engine wouldn't turn over, and he gave up. I'm guessing this happened in the 1980s.

The only marks I could find in the exhaust area was a couple of scrapes from the exhaust install.




Attached image(s)

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 26 2010, 07:41 PM

is that Rust on your suspension ear?

Posted by: kwales Jan 26 2010, 08:16 PM

Jup,

It matches the rest of the car.

However, that car sits next to a non-rusty North Carolina car.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 26 2010, 08:38 PM

Those aren't virgins.. They've had exhaust studs replaced and inserts installed. Gripes with the exhaust studs are my #1 pet peeve with TIV heads. I HATE stripped studs and poorly sealing exhaust flanges.

Posted by: r_towle Jan 26 2010, 11:53 PM

Lemme know if you want to sell the 356 heads..

As far as the type 4 heads being to old to work with...I dont agree.
I totally understand Jakes opinion and Lens business decision...its really logical and its good business for them to make these decisions.

I do not agree that it is the only choice nor is it the right choice for everyone. Its Jake and Lens choice.

Thankfully there have been many shops doing air cooled heads all over the country for 30 years or more and many of these shops are still quite knowledgable regarding these heads.

One benefit of all the new motors with aluminum heads is that the process for replacing valve seats is no longer a mystery and the risks have been lowered considerably..

To reflect Ricks point about the chevy machine shop....lol I was there today.
He had five sets of aluminum heads...there were no cast heads in the place...
Progress has advantages.

I suggest someone, at some point, should make a thread of all the machine shops that still work on our engines....it will not be a long list, but it will be enough for the diminishing niche market that we represent.

I suspect that if someone made new castings of 356 heads, there would be a line at the door to buy them. With no new parts on the horizon the 914 heads will head the same direction as the 36hp vw heads, and the many variations of the 356 heads and we will be serviced by machine shops that have worked on these engines for many years.

Its not the end of the world, nor the end of an era, its just a business decision made by two businessmen that cant justify the ROI when dealing with older used heads.

Rich

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 27 2010, 01:15 AM

I might be interested in picking up Mark's heads for you, Joe

Another good excuse to say hi

BTW, Len has always been a class act and one to emulate

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 08:19 AM

Rich,
You are assuming way too much in your post. What makes no sense and has the least ROI is using the most critical component of an engine after it has been heat cycled for 35 years, abused, neglected and generally thrashed on.

Replace all the other components, update the crankcase and top that off with a pair of cylinder heads that are marginal at best doesn't really appeal to me or my clients that want to do this job once and not do it again.

We will continue to offer machine shop services for all other aspects of the engine, just not cylinder heads.

The 356/912 is an engine that I hate to work with because most everything is in the same boat as the heads on the TIV. It has all been used, abused and is basically worn out since the last engine of the series (616) came off the assembly line in 1969.

Now that these heads are no longer the focus of Len I am sure that others will take advantage of that and provide the same old services that everyone else has and will go on providing something to help cripple these engines along for another few more years. Matter of fact I could make a forecast right now who will jump on that bandwagon of opportunity next.

When I made the decision not to use ANY rebuilt heads on my engines it wasn't a business decision that was made due to profits or productivity rates. I wanted to retain the reputation that I had worked hard to attain and have continued to perpetuate that. When we had a casting failure on a 2.6 liter engine I vowed that would never happen again. That was the last engine failure that we had and it was in 2004.

I'd rather not produce an engine as to produce an engine thats sub-standard or fails.

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 27 2010, 08:31 AM

...and its hard to plan shop loading when worms keep crawling out, thus extending the promised completion date of a customer's car
used heads ARE a bummer and
2 grand is a bargain!

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 27 2010, 08:33 AM

untill you have done it, its difficult to really understand how much effort it takes to fight "those worms"

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 27 2010, 09:29 AM

If you don't think aluminum castings fatique you need to do some research. Rapid heating (as in get in the car and hammer on it as soon as it is running) hundreds if not thousands of times takes it toll on heads. They crack for two significant reasons.
1) They are heated so fast that the associated expansion occurs at a rate faster than the area of the casting can handle . The cracks that occur under the ex seats are likely caused by this phenomana.
2) The casting fatiques and loses it's memory meaning it doesn't return to its natural state. Therefore each time the engine is heated the casting expands a little more until it cracks somewhere. I suspect this accounts in part for dropped seats and cracks around the spark plugs.

For years I have used my casting oven to partially restore the heat treat of the heads. But according tot he engineers I've spoken to there is a limit to it effectiveness. And the results do not have the sustain that a fresh cating has.

I'm not trying to sell anyone on my decision or castigate anyone who works on used castings or has their used castings serviced. Heck I'm willing to sell the correct parts in a kit form to anyone who wants to have their heads rebuilt. I'm just moving forward with my business, and trying to educate folks that the writing is on the wall for our cars. The salvageable inventory of used heads has shrunk to an unsustainable point. Be prepared.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 27 2010, 10:26 AM

I think there can still be usable heads out there, sure... BUT the price to rebuild old heads properly is almost the price of the new heads mentioned. does that mean it's for everyone? no, but it should at least be considered.

I just had my heads redone for my engine build. new valves, guides, seats, etc. I was fortunate that they could be restored by a professional I trust. if he would have come to me and said "your heads can be repaired, but for $500 more you can have NEW heads..." I'd have damn sure thought about it. if he would have said they shouldn't be repaired again, I wouldn't have had to think twice about $500 more for new heads...

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 10:43 AM

Just so happens that I am scrapping 50+ pair of core heads today!! Of that 50 pair I found TWO pair that looked like they could be worth doing something with.

Everything has a service life... I learned that from working with aircraft, whether or not its broken it still gets scrapped after XXX hours of operation.

Posted by: pete-stevers Jan 27 2010, 11:14 AM

hey Jake, Len how bout some head porn....

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 27 2010, 11:33 AM

don't google that if you are at work, btw...

Posted by: DBCooper Jan 27 2010, 02:52 PM

Unfortunately when a set of heads needed for an engine rebuild costs more than the price of a marginal car it means that car will be scrapped instead of getting rebuilt and put back on the road.

I think Rich has a good point. If anyone is interested in keeping cars from being crushed we should compile a list of the people who will still rebuild heads, starting with the names of shops mentioned in this thread.

.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 03:11 PM

Heck, thats the same thing thats happening with Boxsters and 996s.. They are being totaled daily due to engine failures that cost more than the car is worth.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 27 2010, 03:17 PM

the list is still a useful idea. I'll also see if Wes would be interested, though he usually custom tailors the heads to the engine he's building...

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 03:30 PM

The list is a necessary item for reference. No matter what people will still be patching heads on these engines up for years.. kinda like a recapped truck tire.

Posted by: tat2dphreak Jan 27 2010, 03:57 PM

Jake, I don't think that's a fair analogy. there are still heads out there that are usable, and there are still machine-work artists like Len, Mark, Wes, Adrian, etc. who can still make rebuilt heads work for rebuilt, extended-life engines for driver/cruiser or even racer applications. it might not be a perfect solution, but it is a real-world solution. and even if it's "only" $500 more for new heads... that $500 may be the breaking point over a engine budget that is already stretched thin... but I don't think they are the equivalent to a re-treaded truck tire.

Posted by: zig-n-zag Jan 27 2010, 04:46 PM

What value can I place on a pair of Virgin NOS Type IV heads? They
are 1.8 castings 022 101 372G. They do not have seats, guides, or
valves. Bare naked still in cosmoline. Only hard core need inquire.

Posted by: agentblr Jan 27 2010, 04:49 PM

If you guy's want to start that List I have one: Cox Motrosports in Grandview Mo will rebuild your type 4 heads. 816-965-5800 Ask for Mikey,They are an HSR shop that deals mostly with 911s and 914s

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 27 2010, 05:12 PM

unless your saying up until now you've been selling retread heads for big money. I doubt that's the case.

I have three chevy shops around here I have had do machine work for me. I have to bring them all the specs for the engine work I want done but they have a couple tools in their shops that can make new holes and install new parts and cut stuff.

I've had type IV heads done at one shop by a red haired gurl with glasses as thick as coke bottles but she never makes a mistake. EVER!

I've been talked into bringing a head for one of my BMW 2002's to a hi-po big money machine shop that builds record holding engines for drag cars. The head was returned shaved like a wedge! No shit! like a wedge! So noticable you could visably see the difference from the #1 cylinder to the #4 cylinder. I had to bring it up to the local chevy shop and beg the red haired gurl to fix it while staring at my shoes... I don't care what your rep is everyone has a bad day.

I brought my 928 heads to a highly recommended 928 porsche head guy. I drove 6 hrs to personally deliver my unobtainium euro "s" heads to him. The guy tried to trade me a set of low compression US spec heads with small valves and ports under the giess they were fresh off his race car... Do I have dumb ass written on my forehead? No thanks I just want MY heads done.

I was off talking to his assistant My wife was writting him a check for a down payment that was supposed to be 150.00. When we left she told me the check was 450.00.

Then the email came the cost to repair my heads was 1200.00.... sure you don't just want to trade me those junk heads for my race car heads?

I had them shipped back to me and brought them to the next highly recommended "Porsche machine shop guy" 180 miles from home. Heads were repaired freshed for 450.00.

I had a cam break and cause an engine failure. Broken valve punched through the head real bad. I was refered to a high end bling shop180 miles from home. I walked in and was stopped at the door and instructed to put my head in a cart next to the door by Mr. White gloves. This place would make the hospital look like the land fill! Leave the head and we will call you with an estimate. An hour later....ring... Ring.. Ya Rick this is Mr. White gloves.. Ya that head is going to cost $ 900.00 to fix.

Rick: did you measure the head to see if there is any room to cut it again?

Mr White Gloves: Measure it how do I measure it?

Rick: never mind I'll be back there in ten minutes to pick it up.

Head went to the chevy shop and was welded, new seats in the damaged chamber, dressed and matched to the other head, which BTW was discovered to be cut like a wedge by the "Porsche machinist" AS I stated even the best bling boys can have a bad day. That's twice... Chevy shop repaired my mangled head and matched "cc'd" the other head for..... drum roll please...... Price $ 350.00!

Here's the head. Just to show you there are guys out there that can still repair stuff. The stem is about 1 1/2" punched right through the hardened seat and through the water jacket into the port.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 05:27 PM

Sure they are... One of my customers is in that business and says that in some instances tires are reused by other companies that re-cap them 7-8 times before tossing the cores away.

One day when the service life is over they pop and leave remnants on the highway.. The same goes with a head, use it over and over again and one day it will fail. I've seen rebuilt heads come to my dyno on engines built by others that just wanted me to dyno them that didn't last ten minutes.

Its all in what you are looking for from the engine/ car. Luckily people value their cars more than they used to and want something that can be relied on. A large number of people we have dealt with also have explored other avenues, had problems/ failures and then came right on back for what they should have purchased the first time. They learned first hand that what is required, really is required.

I'll add to the list.. The only person who has ever impressed me with their work other than Len is Adrian at Headflow Masters. He won't do exceptional work and he is stuck in the 80s with component development and theory, BUT he does great head work that is very reliable. I have had a set of his heads on my 912E engine for 155K miles, when I sent them to him in 2001 one chamber had a hole blown completely through it. He repaired it and I have kept the engine running cool and its never given me a problem.

Posted by: RoadGlue Jan 27 2010, 05:40 PM

There's a market for the shiny new heads that should go on Jake's expensive powerhouse motors. His reputation is on the line and this is all he does. He can't and shouldn't gamble on used heads. Got that, check. Will one of his turn-key motors ever find its way into one my humble cars? Highly unlikely unless I sell my home and decide to live in a trailer. Well, something like that.

However there are those of us who have found that the used retreads (haha) have always worked good-as-new. My cars have always been my daily drivers too and I rack up a ton of hard miles on them. I've never hesitated to take them on 1000+ mile road trips and I've never had a head fail. Sure, heat cycling takes it's toll. Nobody is debating that either. $2K heads are likely always going to be more reliable than used heads. But by what percentage on a stock'ish motor? It's a gamble that I think most of us are willing to take when you have faith in your machinist and the design VW/Porsche made.

I don't think this discussion would be happening if we were seeing a lot of instances in the garage where motors were dying off due to head failures. If that were happening we'd all be lining up for new heads with me at the head of it. Failures happen from time to time, but it's simply not something that comes up very often. There's a LOT of us and we're all really good at complaining and wining when something goes wrong. We've got skills there.

I'll start the list. My name is Randy and my Type 4 machinist is:

Soren Andersen
468 Yolanda Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404-6338
(707) 542-7872

Posted by: ME733 Jan 27 2010, 05:41 PM

.....SO what are the seat and valve sizes in the NEW ..LE and le180 heads?...are the valves OEM steel, or stainless steel?......

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 06:00 PM

LE 180 heads have 42mm intake and 36mm exhaust valves.
Here is a flow chart from the LE 180 to include the port flow margin averages.


Here is a comparison between a LE 180 and a bone stock 914 2.0 head with the same valve sizes


I'd never use an OEM steel valve, these are only stainless steel. These exact valves are what we have turned over 8,500 RPM in our FP race engines for years and we have NEVER had a failure from them. Not once. Not ever.

Posted by: bobhasissues Jan 27 2010, 06:42 PM

Ouch!!!

I've had my eye on a set of LE 180's for some time now. Have them in my engine rebuild wish-list budget at $2058. Price has recently been jacked to $2558.

I was ready to blow my tax refund on a $2000 set, but $2500 is a big step up.

I can't afford an engine kit in one bite so I've been gathering parts piece by piece from Jake's store over the past two years. The heads were the most expensive and last thing I needed to buy.

I bought a Mallory from Jake, a week later he posts that they now suck and will discontinue selling them.

I bought a Shadek oil pump from Jake, a week later he posts they now suck and will discontinue using them.

This is the kind of luck I've been having trying to get my car up to snuff.

I was committed to spending the remaining few thousand dollars this year to get my three year money pit project completed.

When does the bleeding for these cars end?

Jake & Len if you are still watching, how about offering a group buy $2000 price for the LE 180's.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 07:27 PM

The price of the LE 180 heads will be changing in a few weeks. The work that Len and I are doing to the program will increase volumes and decrease prices a bit. The head castings went up in price and were virtually not available for 8 weeks last year and that heavily impacted our prices. We just used the last of that batch of "expensive" head castings and that alone will drop prices some. Prices vary based on what the current cost of the heads are for us to produce.

The Mallory dizzies had problems and still do, so I no longer sell them. I still use them in engines after we evaluate them and test the engines on the dyno and change out some of the parts inside them.

The Schadek oil pumps dropped in quality steadily all the way through 2008, finally in 2009 there were hardly any good ones left There wasn't enough to support counter sales and our turn key program, so I discontinued them and kept what we had for turn keys.

Now a few months later we have a full billet oil pump developed and fully tested. We just finished a production run last week. Its bad ass and just a taste of whats to come. Sometimes when parts turn crappy or vendors screw us over the following benefits from it. I recently got stabbed in the back by a vendor and trust me, the following will benefit from that situation in at least 1/2 dozen ways.
We have to have good parts to build our engines and we may as well sell them. Thats why I started the Type 4 Store in 2005!

Posted by: pete-stevers Jan 27 2010, 07:45 PM

Well i am going to get ready to be blasted for this one....but here goes
at these prices it is far cheaper to put an old 3.0 sc engine in, including all parts and pieces....2000 bucks ports, polishes twin plugs those heads, but a rebuild is not for the faint of heart either, and may come soon on an old three
so if you have your heart set on running a four, cough up the cash for a good set of heads.....this is one area i would not skimp on
and if you are running an old car like a 914 it just doesn't end...the bleeding continues.......and continues
but there is a solution ...buy a miata

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 08:35 PM

No thrashing from me... Of course you can put a six and if you want to, then you should.

But why buy a Miata when you can buy a Boxster for the same price?

Posted by: DBCooper Jan 27 2010, 09:26 PM

Because, as you said earlier, those Boxsters are being crushed because people can't afford the engine rebuilds.

So gonna be more and more rollers for sale. And the WRX conversion isn't just more fun, as it turns out it makes sense and is actually frugal. Damn, I never saw that coming. Better option than giving up and crushing the car, that's for sure.

.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 09:52 PM

Wanna put a WRX engine in the car? Fine, do it.. My days of giving a damn about that are over and have been.

Not all Boxster are being junked when they have an engine failure.. Porsche enthusiasts that can afford to repair the engines are scooping them up and building bad ass track cars from them.. One bought a Boxster S with a blown engine (44K miles) for 3,500 bucks! My point is that modern cars are also being scrapped because their engines cost more to build than the car is generally worth, just like another poster said could happen to the 914.

There will always be a group that want to keep the original appeal of the car and they'll spend what is required to do that, even if it means less power than a conversion or even more maintenance. I just talked on the phone this evening to three of those people, all of which secured a spot in line for a turn key engine for their 914.

Posted by: RJMII Jan 27 2010, 09:57 PM

I dunno... I kind of appreciate what Len and Jake are doing now.


..and I also appreciate the few machinists that will now be able to step up and fill a void that has now opened up from their progression.


has the OP found a machinist to do his heads? Has he been able to acquire the parts to put his heads back together? Len mentioned he has them.

Seems like a win-win situation. New head development, new jobs opening for other machinists w/out the fierce competition from someone with such good reputation. It now gives someone else to develop their reputation in that area, while Len creates NEW stuff for the people that want NEW stuff.

so I say again, I kind of appreciate what Len and Jake are doing.

Posted by: 396 Jan 27 2010, 10:00 PM

Jake,

Tell it like it is... that's how I LIKE IT TOO... I RESPECT that vs the other method .

If I had the $ right now.. I'd buy all my engine parts from you- especially when you back it up too.

You get what you pay for.

Posted by: DBCooper Jan 27 2010, 10:19 PM

I appreciate it too, and no disrespect was expressed or intended. It is what it is, but $2500 just for heads will put a kink in a lot of budgets. That's three times the price of a rebuild from just a few years ago. Which means that other less attractive alternatives are going to be considered, and one will be the crusher. Who knows, with the thinning of the herd maybe those predictions of 356 style price appreciation will actually come to pass.

Posted by: RJMII Jan 27 2010, 10:25 PM

I have a watercooled turbo V6 in my 914. It's getting twin turbo'd and bored and stroked. There's no way I could get the hp numbers that I'm after out of a type 4.


I still appreciate what Jake and Len are doing. When I get my first $mil... one of my celebratory purchases will be a fun cruiser that's Jake-powered.

Posted by: mepstein Jan 27 2010, 10:33 PM

I don't know... If increasing repair costs caused cars to appreciate in value, wouldn't used boxters be appreciating. I don't buy the 914 (914-6 not included) being the next 356. If it was then someone would be going around buying the hundreds of teeners for sale ~$1-2K. Even nice 914's don't sell for a whole lot more than when I bought mine 26 years ago. I don't care what mine is worth because it was my first car and I will never sell it.

I talked to Jake last Wed and I'm just about to pull the trigger. I'm sold on the motor, I just want to make sure I have the money to set aside and not miss/need it later. Even after new parts, labor, paint, motor, ect, ect it will still cost les than a Prius.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 27 2010, 10:46 PM

Everything has increased in price over that past few years.. Last year some head castings tripled in price. Now we are having a global shortage on align bore main bearings with some sets selling for 6 times what they did last year, IF you can find them.

And its only going to get worse. Before long the OE supplies will not be around because the demand is so low that the OE manufacturers have no reason to produce, or the quality falls through the floor. This is what happened with the Schadek oil pumps.

Over time we'll have to make every part for the engine, else it won't be available. Thats why I have added another building to our shop compound and will be setting it up specifically for on-premises manufacturing specifically for our programs.

This year my engines are 1,000.00 more than they were two years ago, yet we are netting LESS from them and they are taking longer to produce and evaluate correctly.

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Jan 28 2010, 07:21 AM

This is the best informative post on 914-World in a long time.

Jake is 100% correct about low volume OE supplies in short supply. My company works in the Power & Utility industry replacing & repairing large industrial turbines, boilers & component machinery. I spend a lot of my time working with clients scheduling part replacements that used to be in stock. Now decllining supplier base delivery is 12-16 weeks if it's available. Prices and availability of quality parts is changing, so get used to it. Find someone you trust and pay the price!! I believe Jake, Len and others we know work in about the top 1% of the supplier base we trust in all air cooled motor land. We need them as much as they need us. My advise, long term planning is a must and the project always costs 50% to 100% more than you planned. It happened to me on my simple camshaft replacement. I estimated $3K and it came in at $5K. Ouch, It was like do I need it?? No, but I don't want to compromise quality in my hobby. My choice was new heads or use my old heads that were perfectely usable to meet my budget.

Tom

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 28 2010, 09:17 AM

another problem that greatly influences cost on our beloved 914 is that 35+ yr old 914s have other hidden issues that only surface once you "crack that nut". just like what Jake was talking about with the used head castings. you have to get ALL-IN before you really know what needs fixin. its hard for me to plan shop loading and forecast completion dates. one car was suposed to leave a week ago untill we found more issues that need help. Hell, I cant even put it back together as is... even if I would do such a thing. there is alot of non billable time that goes into solving these problems. alot of phone calls, explaining to customers, time invested to solve things and find solutions. when a Boxter comes in, I just pick up the phone and order parts, install them and out she goes. I struggle with the same thoughts that drove Len to change his policies. these cars are more troublesome, require more hand holding, explaining and teh profit is way less than the modern cars. I cant remember the last time a 911, 993, 996 owner asked me...but can you do it cheaper?

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 28 2010, 09:19 AM

I guess what i meant to say is that economic viability is putting a squeeze on our 914

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 28 2010, 09:24 AM

The economy hasn't impacted us at all when it comes to sales... I have the biggest demand that we've had since 2002 and for that I am very happy. The economy has impacted us indirectly when it comes to sourcing parts. This is due to many suppliers not keeping enough (or any) of the parts we use on the shelf due to cash flow.

Last year we had the biggest demand ever but we produced less engines than we did the two years prior, yet we produced the least amount of engines die to the parts situation primarily.

This also put our engine kit program in the gutter because we only had X amount of parts and due to that engine kits suffered extended wait times as the turn key program takes priority. The engine kit program is currently on hold while we work away the turn key backlog and allow the suppliers to build their supplies. During this time we are making a ton of changes to the kit program to stream line it and integrating our own in-house produced items.

Posted by: OU8AVW Jan 28 2010, 09:33 AM

I just dropped mine off with Jan Norris. His shop is close to DC at Kenelworth Ave and HWY 50.
Precision Engine Machine 301-779-5808
precision-engine.com

Posted by: StratPlayer Jan 28 2010, 10:13 AM

I had sent an email to Rimco asking if they were under new management. I also stated that I has sent a pair of heads to them about 2 yrs. ago and I had to shell out and additional 200 buks to have the valve seats redone by a local.

This is the reply I received.

Jim,

Thank you for your e-mail inquiry. I would like to start by saying sorry for
the inconvenience in your previous order. At RIMCO we have changed a few
things for the better. We have quality procedures in place to minimize
errors going out to our customers. We have added Customer Service steps to
HOPEFULLY help our customers experience. We have added several parts
companies to allow us to increase our products to our customers. We are now
warehouse direct distributors for Bugpack, Empi, Scat, IAP, LAT Oils,
Genuine VW and many more. With this we can offer parts to our customers that
send us service jobs and ship them all at once at a reduced price compared
to ordering with separate companies.


Feel free to call or e-mail any time. You can also check our site out at
www.rimcovw.com
I will add your e-mail address to our e-mail list for future savings.



Again thank you for looking us up again,

Dennis Hildebrandt
714-549-0357

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 28 2010, 10:27 AM

If you call Rimco, just talk to Todd... I've known him for years and he has never screwed up any aspect of what Rimco has worked on for me over the years. When I was in California in the early 90s Todd processed over 300 engine cases for me to build engines out of my barracks room at Tustin MCAS, less than 2 miles away :-)

Todd is still there... He runs the show.

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 28 2010, 10:44 AM

strat: did you give rimc opportunity to make it right? what did they say?

Posted by: StratPlayer Jan 28 2010, 11:11 AM

To be honest no I didn't ask... been waiting a long time for the heads to get the engine finished up. Didn't want to go through the shit of shipping them back off and waiting for who knows how long to get them back. For me it was easier just have the F*** ups fixed locally.

Posted by: ME733 Jan 28 2010, 11:34 AM

considering that the stainless steel valves are just a tad softer, than steel, do you install or provide steel lash caps on the valve stems.?. thanks for the information you have provided in this post, for all of us.

Posted by: HAM Inc Jan 28 2010, 11:46 AM

The SS valves we use have hardened tips.

Posted by: Jake Raby Jan 28 2010, 11:54 AM

We also only use Porsche 911 swivel foot valve adjusters in every application. This makes a huge difference.

Posted by: sean_v8_914 Jan 28 2010, 12:19 PM

every time I see HAM post it makes me think of HAMS beer comercial where the HAMS truck runs over teh Raineer beer motorcyclist

he's going thru the gears and it sounds out in motor cycle tones "raiiiiii-neeer-beeeer. then the truck comes around the corner and plows into him, he's plastered across teh front and teh truck horn toots...hams, hams!

Posted by: Chris Hamilton Jan 28 2010, 10:57 PM

Another vote for RIMCO. Just sent a set of dual port heads to them to be cut for 94s and they came back right away without a problem.

Posted by: rick 918-S Jan 28 2010, 11:21 PM

How much?

Posted by: Chris Hamilton Jan 30 2010, 02:34 PM

I think it was 80 bucks or something? Lot cheaper than anywhere around here.