Pricing for Head Work Options

[yarin]

Any have a list of their favorite head builders?

Just trying to get an idea of how much it would cost to recondition a basic set of 2.0 heads.

Stupid question, but are prices at Len's site per head or per pair? http://www.haminc.biz/vw/pricelist.shtml Does anyone know if these prices are current.

Lastly, does anyone have a reputable head guy in the northeast? How much should one expect to pay for a pair of good 2.0 heads, that aren't cracked and dont have any major issues?

Just trying to get a ballpark idea...

[HAM Inc]

Head temps will do in anybodys head work. Mine included. I will say this about my work. I've had a couple of heads I rebuilt subjected to extreme detonation, then returned to me. The seats stayed in despite severe damage around the exhaust seats. No catastophic failure, (unless you consider destroying a pair of heads catastrophic.)

Am I perfect? No. (That's why I have a rockin' warranty) Are there other shops out there that can do this work? Sure. Are there any current machinist out there more familiar with the T4 head (and all of it's quircks) than I am? Possibly. But if they are as quality conscious and detail oriented as I am then they aren't going to be any cheaper, especially if they are located in Califronia, or any large metropolitan area where the cost of doing business is high. To service these old castings properly takes a lot of time, and because they are famous for throwing curve balls that other heads don't, experience is very important. It's my stated goal that every pair of heads that hits my shop is serviced to the highest state possible.
Brer your friend sounds like a quality technician. I think it's great that this forum exist to pass all of the options on to enthusiast of this truly great, reasonably affordable mid-engine sports car. As busy as I stay there is no way I could possibly service every T4 head out there.

Jake thanks for standing up for my work. Being familiar with your test facility and your testing methods, I realize that there are very few engine builders out there that can make such a qualified statement. But remember, we decided not to take on any crazy projects for a little while. We already know our stuff is tough and powerful. Let's let the other guys find out about their stuff on their own.