[urq] Urq, WX, Head Problems, etc.

[Louis-Alain Richard]

JP,
 
Your mechanic may be right: 25 years later, maybe new SS valves are cheaper
and still good enough for high-temp turbo operation. Another point of view
is the traditional "over-engineering" Audi put in these cars; maybe
sodium-filled valves are the way to go to render these engines bulletproof
(and we know they are), but for a car that will not see track duty, and
being used as a week-end ride, I wouldn't be scared by a new set of SS
valves. In fact, the bottom end is still 25 years old. 
 
700$ for a rebuilt ? In my book, that is very reasonable, as I spent the
same amount (in CDN$) just for the welding work and the valve seats (valves,
springs, retainers and guides were re-used). 
 
 I'd like to hear the point of view of the pro mechanics among us: Scott ?
Martin ? Ado ? Jim ?
 
Louis-Alain
PS: by the way, my car is turning 25 years old this month, it was built in
05/1982 ! Happy birthday DA900463 !
 
 
De : quattrodude at comcast.net [mailto:quattrodude at comcast.net] 


 
You bring up an interesting point, you talk about the valves being sodium
cooled, yet when I talked to my machine shop as I too am having a head
rebuilt for my WX, he said that the newer materials ie stainless are much
better than the sodium cooled, can anyone verify this? or should I have him
use the stock ones?
 
I think the total for everything to be rebuilt with stainless valves etc was
about $700...does this seem out of range? he said about $10 and 15 for
intake and exhaust..so thats about $250 right there so about 450 for
everything else unless i start adding springs, retainers, lighter lifters
etc...But Im not looking to build an all out race head. 
 
I just also wanted to say this group has been invauable and all the help and
advice and information that has been provided over the years is really
appreciated!
 
Thanks
 
JP