Finding shop for head work!

[red_dog007]

Ok. So I found a shop some 20 minutes from my house that works on Datsuns. Though they do not do any kind of machining.

Now, I am kind of at a loss. I just keep getting referred to people whom do not work on these engines.

Now, does any one know of a shop in Nashville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Ashville, Spartanburg, Birmingham, Huntsville or anywhere in between that do work on these heads?

All I wanna do is get these valve ports enlarged for 280z valves!

How much difference will these larger valves really make? May not be able to get it done.

[zbane]

I would think that the shop that is willing and knowledge about Datsuns would know of a good shop for this sort of work. I would assume that you have asked them for assistance finding a shop for head work, but if not...

[whamo]

I think you need to clarify the terms you are using. You don't enlarge ports to install larger valves. You have the valve seats cut to the appropriate size, usually this will require back cutting the valve seat to realize any improvements. "Porting" "or enlarging a port" means grinding with a cutter to smooth and enhance air flow inside the port itself. The port is the inner portion of the cylinder head from the manifold to the valve seat . If you dont use the proper terminology any shop you contact will probably be confused by your request.

Most machine shops should be able to cut the head for the larger valves (ask for a 3 angle or better valve job). Porting, requires very specific knowledge of the particular type of engine you are performing the work on. I would be surprised if you could find a local shop with the required knwledge of a nissan 6 to do a good job of porting the head.

Edited August 18, 2008 by whamo

[red_dog007]

Ok! That works out better. Will have to recheck these two shops. The new local Z store that I have just found doesn't do any machining so referred me to a shop that they use to do that kind of work, and they said no.

I think that I will start calling around gain once I get my parts in. Figure things out from there as I go. Get the kit, and start calling in the morning so that I can get everything dropped off by noon.

[JimmyZ]

Do you have a speed shop in the area? Ask them where the best place is for headwork. (Be sure to mention your budget) Years ago I made the mistake of taking my head to an average production rebuild shop. I specified a three angle grind and got a standard valve job. They said they replaced some guides when all they actually did was knurl them. In the end they padded their bill and I could have paid a little more to have it done right.

Do some reading in various Z rebuild texts and tear down/put the head together yourself. This way you can inspect their work. It's surprisingly easy. Wear saftey goggles when compressing springs to avoid flying keepers, etc in the eye.

Look into shops with a Serdi machine. This machine easily makes matched machined surfaces. (Rather than a guy operating a Sioux handheld grinder) A relative of mine that did heads for years said that some people like to give a light going over with a stone grinder after the Serdi to take the burr off which is left by the carbide bit being removed.

Here's a link to a cheap dial indicator w/ base. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=336&PARTPG=INLMK3&PMITEM=628-3040 (measuring valve wobble)

You can make a cheap valve spring compressor which bolts to your bench. Using a little ingenuity you could even make one without welding.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24524&highlight=valve+spring+compressor

Enco has other cheapie measuring instruments for such a task.

Head work can be very expensive. I think you'll be surprised when you see how things add up.

2c

Jim

[awenglund]

Here is one near Atlanta that probably does head work:

E Radatz Motorsports

Address: 961 Shallowford Rd NE, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: (770) 926-6609

And if they don't, I'll bet they'll know where to go.

[kinfish]

Installing 280Z exhaust valves (35mm dia) in an E-31 head coupled with the 2400 cc original block creates a potential interference problem. Edge of valve contacts the rim of the block.

If you bored the block or have 260 or 280 block the problem is less or goes away.

Better do your homework up front!

[ktm]

Isn't Sunbelt Performance Engines in the Atlanta area? They have race prepped quite a few L-series heads. They may charge more than you are willing to pay though.

[beandip]

I live in the Portland area , I know it's far from you, there is a shop here that does magic on Z head work Rushmortorsports Paul Rushman is the owner. I was at his shop a while back and he was working on one head and had two waiting. The one he was working on was from Holland , the second one from Denmark and the third was from England if I remember right. He has posted here on this site in the past. For me he is the only one I would have do my head work. We are fortunate to have craftsmen like Paul and Steve Epperly, owner of Ztherapy, near by Phred is another head guru around here . But he is busy with raceing at this time. If you would like to know more info on Paul Rushman send me a PM. I don't think he is cheep , but you get what you pay for.

Gary

[ktm]

It's Ruschman, not Rushman. He is a moderator over at Hybridz.org.