Where to send my heads?
 

Where is the best place to have head work done? I need three services; the standard valve and guide service, machining for a second plug, and maybe some port modification. I am already starting out with the large port 3.0 heads so I am not sure that I will need a lot of porting work.

My inclination is to go with a large, well respected organization like Jerry Woods. I figure they have enough experience that my street rod will be a piece of cake. Also, they see the engine as a whole and can make the heads fit the other modifications. My only concerns are cost and having my pieces get lost in the shuffle. How much of a premium is added by the name of a big time shop? If they are concentrating on the racing season, could my street heads get less attention than I am paying for?

I am asking these questions generically. I have heard nothing but good things about Jerry Woods. But, I would like to have others' thoughts before I drop a huge wad of cash.

I would contact some of the respected local garages and ask them where they send their work. You may find a quality local machine shop that way.

ROWSC,
Please let me know if you take HarryD's approach and/or get reccomendations for a good local shop. I'm in Aurora and will be need some headwork and Casesavers installed soon. I'd prefer to work with someone locally if there is anyone well respected around here.

Pat

First of all, Jerry Woods is a very well, respected shop. However, they are not big (see the photos on this website for pictures of the site). Furthermore, they are an engine rebuilding shop, and are not a machine shop - they send almost all of their parts out to various other shops for work.

I recommend Walt at Competition Engineering (www.competitioneng.com) or Engine Machine Service down here in LA. Ollies also has a good reputation, although I haven't personally dealt with them.

-Wayne

I have personally delt with ollies and would highly recommend them. They are very competent and have been working on these engines for years. They are very easy to deal with as well. I had them ports my turbo heads to 41mm and twin plug them.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/DSCF0153.JPG http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/DSCF0154.JPG http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/DSCF0155.JPG http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/DSCF0156.JPG

Engine Builders Supply (EBS) in Reno Nevada. I have dealt with them a number of times, along with others here, and have had nothing but good advice on the phone, fast turn-around and fair pricing. Do a search -
Good luck,

Steve Weiner @ Rennsport Systems

Walt at Competition Engineering is very good. Does excellent work and is great to deal with.

I'll also pipe in for EMS, SoCal...they are really chill bunch of guys and their prices are pretty darn good...

they are near LAX

I recommend Bob at Anchor-Atlantic Enterprises in Pitman, NJ. They just finished up our heads for Project 74 Carrera, and they did an outstanding job!

You can see what they do in the June issue of 9 Magazine as well.

There info:

Anchor-Atlantic Enterprises
856-589-5577
topend@voicenet.com

Brian Minson
9, The DIY Porsche Magazine
http://www.9magazine.com

EMS is great too...

-Wayne

CMW motorsports.

They do concentrate on racing teams so you may be priortized. Bob or Scott will probably ask some questions regarding applications. Just ask if you want some recommendations regarding the cut, dual plug, valve sizing, d-ports, etc. They may even want you to send the manifolds for matching.

I think you usually do get what you pay for. Stay with those that are recommended by those in the know to reduce the risk of lost parts, excessive costs. These shops don't get a good reputation for botched jobs.

Asking for recommendations on this list is a great start!

Best of luck with whomever you choose.

ROWSC,
I'm sure you have had your heads done by now, but figured I'd post this for future reference of people who use the search and find this.

I'm doing a full rebuild due to pulled head studs and just needed the basic head work done. (Teardown, clean, inspect, guides, seals, 3-angle)
I called several of the local P-car shops in Denver (Storz, Eisenbuds, Eurosport) Storz said they send all their stuff to Terry down at Colorado Auto Machine. I don't recall what Eisenbud said, Eurosport said they sub their stuff out but not to who. I called and talked with Terry and felt very comfortable with his experience and knowledge. So I took him my heads and my crank for polishing.
Terry had them done in just over two weeks (I was in no hurry) and they look incredible. As it turns out my set had been rebuilt recently (he said the intake guides were like new and the exhaust were only slightly worn) I had him replace the exhaust guides anyway, use viton seals, and do everything else listed above.
My total cost at the end of all that... $389.26 and a box of Krispy Kremes as a thank you.
In talking with him several times I also found out that he does most of the work from Eurosport and Eisenbuds as well.
I haven't run them yet, but they look perfect and you can't find a better price, especially considering that his is used by nearly all the Porsche specialists in town. He may or may not have experience with modding the heads (never asked) but he has made me one happy customer.