Hi guys,

Just wondering when you have your 8v head or similar rebuilt/reconditioned what you usually have done providing there's no excessive wear or damage anywhere. What is expected to be replaced etc. I'm talking more in line with oem specs, but happy to hear any input you have from a performance/upgrade perspective... Also if your happy to share your expense that would be great.

Again no experience in this realm of things, but I just came from a shop who said $600 could be expected for 'blast' and clean, resurface, new valve guides, seals, valve job.

Thank yee'
$600 isn't outrageously expensive for what is essentially a complete rebuild.

I would get the shop to wash it and skim it, and measure the valve guide clearance. If it was out of spec they can put new guides in. I'd lap the valve seats myself because it's easy and the kit is cheap, and I'd shim it myself and I'd install the valve stem seals myself. The parts will be in a standard head seal&gasket kit, and the only tools you really need are the lapping kit and either a valve spring compressor or a deep socket with the sidewall cut out and a big G clamp, and one of those little magnetic pickup tools to pop the valve spring retainers out.
I researched more this arvy and that's the way I'll go. Assemble/disable myself and outsource the work.

Just a few Q's

So lapping is just to clean up the mating surfaces. And valve cut to clean up damage?

When cutting valves, does that mean you need bigger valves? Or can you have a light enough cut that you can use same sized valves?
Cutting the valves and seats takes the surfaces back, but still maintains the correct angle etc.
© 2013-2025 Oz Volvo. All rights reserved. | Forum Rules | Privacy Policy