machine shop advice - opinion
 

Got the call today and I know what I want to do on everything except 2 issues. They said the exhaust valve wear is out of spec and that 7 exhaust port studs are streched. The studs would be $140 and the valves are what ever the going rate is. My question is this, I pulled one exhaust stud myself before sending the heads (it had broken and was no problem) and I was planning on doing a full rebuild down the line with an eye towards performance and this one was to be just a broken head stud issue. What are your thoughts as I have other areas that I need to put the money? I hate to be a cheap skate but.......

I forgot, this is from Engine Machine Service (a place recommended by Pelican) and I feel they are being quite honest.

That depends on whether you're prepared to dig out broken exhaust studs in case they break in the attempt. If so, DIY.

Sherwood

I've never heard of exhaust port studs stretching. What does this mean. If they're not broken then use them if they are then replace them. If the threads are crappy then chase them with a die.

The shop means they can see the stud has started to deform by stretching. (usually from overtightening). They are at the point where they start to thin out and will likely break upon reassembly.I caught this effect in a rod bolt a couple of years ago The bolt was almost 2 threads longer than the others and ready to snap. Exhaust studs are not as critical but now is the time they are easily replaced.

Life is too short to d**k with those studs if the case is already at the machine shop. Someday when you have to remove a broken exhaust stud you'll remember with fondness having had the machine shop remove these studs.
-Chris

$20 each is about the going rate. no fun DIY. they often get pretty ugly looking, and you wouldn't want to be assembling the exhaust after all that work and have one break.