[V8] Rebuilding/ refinishing v8 heads

[Tony and Lillie]

If it were mine, I'd rebuild the original heads, and use them on the 
original motor. You know the history of the car, and therefore that engine. 
just replace the valves and lifters that were damaged, and if you want to at 
that time, have the heads ported. You can use the lifters and valves from 
the "new" heads to fix yours, or you can buy new. I'd use the ones from the 
other heads. You really want a complete rebuild of them, that includes 
guides/guide seals as well as grinding/cutting the valve seats and faces.

When a valve head breaks off and destroys the cylinder wall/piston/head. 
That is the only time a head is damaged from valve/piston contact.

HTH,
Tony

Subject: [V8] Rebuilding/ refinishing v8 heads
>
>  I bought a 1990 V8 3.6 L audi over the summer and i got the car for a 
> song because the guy snapped the belt and the motor is shot. So over the 
> summer i bought a replacement motor for very cheap and took a gamble on 
> it. The replacement motor still had its time and was complete with heads. 
> So now i've got all the parts to my mechanic and after some testing he is 
> not comfortable putting this motor in because he isnt getting good 
> compression and tells me *several* of the valves are not seating properly 
> and if  go ahead and put this motor in it will most likely run awful and 
> smoke a lot. He tells me he wants to take the heads off and send them out 
> to be re-finished.  And then put it all back together. I really like the 
> car and i don't have much money invested into it so i am considering his 
> advice.  Will i be able to find someone to do this for me? Does anyone 
> have any suggestions for me? I would put the whole motor on a pallet and 
> send it somewhere to be done if anyone does it
> on the side. Basically i just need help with this situation.
>
> Or should i just but a motor that has been cleaned and tested and and has 
> a Gaurantee and just forget that motor?
> I am really in love with this car and it only has 76,000 miles and 1 
> owner, absolutely mint in and out.  I dont mind spending a little $ for 
> this low milage beauty.   Are the heads on the original motor with the 
> bent valves shot? When the valves bend does that damage the actual head? 
> I need advice.
>  Thanks guys.