SoCal Mechanic Recommendations, 914-4 top end work, preferably in the San Gabriel Valley Options

[thewoj]

Hey all, I am looking for a new mechanic in the San Gabriel Valley (or greater Los Angeles) area. Unfortunately, my previous mechanic has become hard get in touch with and my 914 has been sitting for over a year wasting away. I believe I dropped another valve seat, so the work is probably gonna involve dropping the engine and sending the heads out. Affordability is always a plus, I understand good work costs money but I have had a hard time convincing my boss of that.

Just for reference, engine is the original flat-4 1.8l taken out to 2.5l with dual webers.

[rhodyguy]

What is your budget for this? Hourly rate will cost plenty, both time and money.

I doubt stock 1.8 heads would support a 2.5L engine.

[thewoj]

What is your budget for this? Hourly rate will cost plenty, both time and money.

I doubt stock 1.8 heads would support a 2.5L engine.

Budget is somewhat flexible, I understand this is not gonna be cheap. My statement was only to get across that I am not a Vanderbilt and am looking for a 'get it done' mechanic and not a 99-point restoration mechanic.

The heads are no longer stock, and have had work done to them by my machinist who is by no means an air-cooled guru--probably why they continue to fail. I am looking to send them out to a machinist who is more reputable in terms of air-cooled heads this time around.

I believe I spoke with the owner of European Motor Works previously, I just have the issue of getting the heads/engine separate of the vehicle first which I believe was a pre-qualification for him.