DIY Cylinder head advice?

[l88m22vette]

So I'm hoping to pick up a big-port head sometime soon for a winter project and wanted to build it for next year. My plan is basically head, 51 intake cam, OEM lifters/intake valves, inconel ex. valves and new intake manifold (yea yea I know ). I want to do all the work myself and know I'll need some head-specific tools, but does anyone have any tips/recommendations for my first head build? I'm shooting to get a head with ~50k miles, should I change the valve guides and get it hot-tanked (its extremely clean) or am I ok to just swap the ex. valves and build the head? I will post pics as soon as I get it, but I wanted to get any parts/tools I will need.

[Jeronkie]

My Opinion on this is the following

Yes it can be done but I would take it to the machine shop to do , it is not that expensive and then they can check the tolerances , head , wear etc etc  and seat the new valves etc etc

I am sure you are planing big things for the car , pay the extra and be safe ,

keep us up to date

[dlsolo]

I'm in the same boat.  Picked up a AEB head a month or so ago and looking to rebuild it.  I know I am mechanically inclined enough to do it, but want to make sure I do it right. 

Would you suggest taking it to a VW/AUDI specific shop or any engine shop?  I know living in the state of North Carolina, I could find a NASCAR engine shop easier than a Jack In A Box... i'm just curious.

[dlsolo]

Hey Bob?  Do you have any inputs on this.  If anything, I would like to see if I can pay you to rebuild my AEB head.

[Jeronkie]

HI sorry for the delay , work what can I say

I am from South Africa , so dont know what would be your closest shop .

If you are planing to use BOB Q you are not getting a good machines you are getting one of the best ! , He will also be able to tell you the best con-fig for your needs and unlike most he can back it up with actual test's

to replace all the components with new ones in you head can be done , that is the easy part to make sure all the tolerances , seats etc are 100% that takes time and skill

I would recommend a good workshop cd/book , http://www.samstagsales.com/vwaudi.htm#webspecial  ,  http://www.baumtools.com/search.php I am sure they are in the US an supply most of the special tools

But at the end of this I would still say just take it to someone to get done ,,

[dlsolo]

Yeah, in the moment of thinking that I could be an awesome engine builder, I bought 9 different books.  I know I could rebuild it and take the time necessary to check the tolerances of everything.  But time is my enemy.  The fact that Bob can practically do this in his sleep, is what making that avenue of approach more appealing. 

[l88m22vette]

Ok so I finally got a head, its is a Euro ADR bigport head with the (supposedly) better NA cams. The seller reported that it had 72k mileage; I will post pics when I actually get the part. What kinds of things should I look for, and are there any advantages to getting a lower-mileage head?

[dlsolo]

Ok so I finally got a head, its is a Euro ADR bigport head with the (supposedly) better NA cams. The seller reported that it had 72k mileage; I will post pics when I actually get the part. What kinds of things should I look for, and are there any advantages to getting a lower-mileage head?

Any updates on your progress??  Do you have the head mounted yet?