Machine shop wows. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BadaSs_Cal · 02-09-2011, 06:40 PM

Just got a call from the machine shop and he quoted me $584 for the head work!!! I think I got an ok deal on the block ($800) but man thats steep. He said that everything was worn, the exhaust had started warping the side. and that it need hardened seats.. Id be concerned about being ripped off, but hes pretty respected around here... Man what a damper it puts on things.. This is only for a 250. It better outlive me damnit! lol

DT1 · 02-09-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadaSs_Cal

Just got a call from the machine shop and he quoted me $584 for the head work!!! I think I got an ok deal on the block ($800) but man thats steep. He said that everything was worn, the exhaust had started warping the side. and that it need hardened seats.. Id be concerned about being ripped off, but hes pretty respected around here... Man what a damper it puts on things.. This is only for a 250. It better outlive me damnit! lol

If it's a good shop, it seams about right. I paid more for the work on my 350 but the shop did the best work I have ever had done. I assume the $584 included new valves, guides, and exhaust seats?

BadaSs_Cal · 02-09-2011, 07:01 PM

yes. It will be brand new when I get it back.. thanks for the comment made me instantly feel better. He did my father in laws 350 head and it was $400. But I dont think it needed as much as mine did.. you know because its only 30 years older. LOL.

LandonL · 02-09-2011, 07:14 PM

My machine shop did my 250's head for $150, new valves, pressure test, redid the seats, cleaned, reconditioned the springs etc, surfaced it and removed a valve cover bolt broke off in it.

**JMac11** · 02-09-2011, 07:30 PM

I did a ton of valve jobs- 3 angle, knurl guides and surface heads for $125 a set 15 years ago. Replacing guides was 10 for the first five for any other. Lokks like I could make a living in a maching shop these days.

BadaSs_Cal · 02-09-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandonL

My machine shop did my 250's head for $150, new valves, pressure test, redid the seats, cleaned, reconditioned the springs etc, surfaced it and removed a valve cover bolt broke off in it.

wow! Man u got a killer deal. I looked around a bit, it seemed the average around here was about $300. but I went with them because it was the only place I could get feedback on. Im new to any of this, so I guess this I can put in the hat as a learning experience. Im sure it will be worth it once I crank it over.

*Shane* · 02-09-2011, 08:00 PM

quality machine work costs.

luckily, the chinese have not figured out a way to do this sort of work locally. yet.

**oldgold70c10** · 02-09-2011, 08:15 PM

I had a pair of small block head done last month. It was about $250 for the pair & they look brand new.

brad_man_72 · 02-09-2011, 08:16 PM

I've heard several times that a cheap set of aftermarket aluminum heads for a sbc is only a couple hundred bucks more than having a set of doublehumps redone.

BadaSs_Cal · 02-09-2011, 08:21 PM

I couldnt find a place I could rely on for a redone 250 head. Didnt wanna cheap out and get the 200$ autozone one. I prefer quality over cost.. however I have a price limit.. $1200 bucks from 12bolt was way out of my range... and I just needed a stocker. O well, Ill take it to a buddy afterwards and have it confirmed the shop did everything they said they were going to do... and drive it like an old lady.

LandonL · 02-09-2011, 08:31 PM

I have pics of my entire six silly build, but here a pics of the head after it was redone. He had painted it a cast iron grey to keep it from rusting after he got done hot tanking it.
In the pics I had already painted it orange.

VA72C10 · 02-09-2011, 08:45 PM

I'd also consider looking at new heads at that price. You could sell the originals to someone wanting to go 100% original (before paying for the machine work) and get a nice set of the summit vortec style heads or skip white heads for just a little more but with much better performance...

**LockDoc** · 02-09-2011, 08:47 PM

-
I was just quoted $250-300 to completely re-do my 327 heads. New guides, hardened seats, trued, etc, etc. If they were camel hump I would probably do it but not for run of the mill heads. Now I'm looking.

LockDoc

RCbowtie69 · 02-09-2011, 08:56 PM

i had a set of SB heads done 7 years ago & it cost $597.00,with unleaded fuel of today, you need to put harded seats in the exhaust side, i also had bronze guides installed,new springs for the lift on the cam in which it good for a .525 lift cam & they replaced some valves, clean & check the heads for cracks, it depends on what you want done to the heads, & what it going to cost you,i want stainless steel valves & that would have been another $140.00.Head & block work is not cheap & you could be in the $1500.00 to $2000.00 range, time for a good crate motor for &1500.00 to $9000.00 more power ARHHH, ARHHH, ARHHHH

**special-K** · 02-09-2011, 08:57 PM

Around here a complete head rebuild on pair of small block heads that needed valves,seats,and guides ran about $300 25 years ago.To me that price sounds about right for the Bay Area. It needed planing and all. $150 sounds crazy cheap.

Spoof · 02-09-2011, 09:12 PM

This board is the home of $200 powder coated frames, $100 sandblasted cabs and swb, big blocks for 5K. I'm expecting to hear some people only pay a nickel per gallon for gas Everything costs $500!

LandonL · 02-09-2011, 09:16 PM

I did buy the valves on mine separate so they weren't necessarily included in the cost. $150 was just his charge on labor, no parts included.

treveiger · 02-09-2011, 11:24 PM

Not to steal the thread or anything. How much would a set of new heads cost? What would be better machining them out or buying new?

Hubscrub · 02-09-2011, 11:30 PM

that ol 250 should last you for a long time in my op. the inlines are one of the most reliable motors ever. I had some 350 heads completely redone this year and it was around $275 and i thought that was high

but you got to look at the areas, i live in one of the cheapest cost of living areas in the country but we don't make as much either

oldblue1968chevy · 02-09-2011, 11:36 PM

lol hub

you can get summit vortec heads for $650, thats what I did..

BadaSs_Cal · 02-10-2011, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandonL

I have pics of my entire six silly build, but here a pics of the head after it was redone. He had painted it a cast iron grey to keep it from rusting after he got done hot tanking it.
In the pics I had already painted it orange.

Wow I just read all of your build.. thats good stuff there. still gives me hope yet. Thanks again.

mcbassin · 02-10-2011, 01:42 AM

I run a Machine Shop not engine shop but aerospace and I can tell straight out it is very expensive to get anything made. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the guys hourly wage. Our rates average around $100 an hour. so go figure. If you think you got your moneys worth that is all that matters.

I can remember when my engine guy could hot vat, line bore, .030 over, and install cam bearings and valve job for around $300 on a SBC. That was back in the late 80s and early 90s I'd bet the same job is around $500-700. Good luck!

5150.4.67 · 02-10-2011, 01:43 AM

Replacing valve seats can get expensive. Sounds about right. If he stands behind his work, I'd say its worth it. Quality machining is not cheap.
Headwork $600
Block machining $800
Gaskets, etc. $200
Confidence in your engine? Priceless.....

Tx Firefighter · 02-10-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150.4.67

Replacing valve seats can get expensive. Sounds about right. If he stands behind his work, I'd say its worth it. Quality machining is not cheap.
Headwork $600
Block machining $800
Gaskets, etc. $200
Confidence in your engine? Priceless.....

Exactly.

And that is why crate engines are so popular. 1700 dollars at the dealer will get you a 100 percent new 4 bolt main 350 engine. With warranty...

When a guy gets to adding up all of the costs, he's really got to make a decision as to which direction to go with his hard earned dollars. If someone wants a stock engine, crate is a great value.

BadaSs_Cal · 02-10-2011, 09:12 AM

Thanks guys this makes me feel a whole lot better about the whole thing. Like I told the wife last night, I could of took the easy way out and went with a crate V8.. But imagine when I pop the hood and all the old timers start grinning ear to ear. Even my machinist was excited when I told him it was an inline I was bringing in. ( but maybe thats because he knew it was a gold mine... lol) Well as soon as I get it back I post up some pictures.

02-09-2011, 06:40 PM	#1
BadaSs_Cal Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Walnut Grove, Ca Posts: 216	Machine shop wows. Just got a call from the machine shop and he quoted me $584 for the head work!!! I think I got an ok deal on the block ($800) but man thats steep. He said that everything was worn, the exhaust had started warping the side. and that it need hardened seats.. Id be concerned about being ripped off, but hes pretty respected around here... Man what a damper it puts on things.. This is only for a 250. It better outlive me damnit! lol __________________ 66 Gmc 1 ton. Long Step 351e V6 69 1/2 CHEVROLET (now a shortbed) LONGBED!:devil 61 Shortbed Fleetside 1/2 ton.. in progress Next a 50-53! MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447926 Last edited by BadaSs_Cal; 02-09-2011 at 06:41 PM.

02-09-2011, 07:01 PM	#3
BadaSs_Cal Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Walnut Grove, Ca Posts: 216	Re: Machine shop wows. yes. It will be brand new when I get it back.. thanks for the comment made me instantly feel better. He did my father in laws 350 head and it was $400. But I dont think it needed as much as mine did.. you know because its only 30 years older. LOL. __________________ 66 Gmc 1 ton. Long Step 351e V6 69 1/2 CHEVROLET (now a shortbed) LONGBED!:devil 61 Shortbed Fleetside 1/2 ton.. in progress Next a 50-53! MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447926

02-09-2011, 07:14 PM	#4
LandonL Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 440	Re: Machine shop wows. My machine shop did my 250's head for $150, new valves, pressure test, redid the seats, cleaned, reconditioned the springs etc, surfaced it and removed a valve cover bolt broke off in it. __________________ ---\| 1967 GMC Stepside \|-- 250 L6 .030 over ---\| 1985 Porsche 944/1 \|--- Build Thread: '67 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378640 Last edited by LandonL; 02-09-2011 at 07:14 PM.

02-09-2011, 07:30 PM	#5
JMac11 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tallahassee Fl Posts: 773	Re: Machine shop wows. I did a ton of valve jobs- 3 angle, knurl guides and surface heads for $125 a set 15 years ago. Replacing guides was 10 for the first five for any other. Lokks like I could make a living in a maching shop these days.

02-09-2011, 08:00 PM	#7
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Machine shop wows. quality machine work costs. luckily, the chinese have not figured out a way to do this sort of work locally. yet.

02-09-2011, 08:15 PM	#8
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: Machine shop wows. I had a pair of small block head done last month. It was about $250 for the pair & they look brand new. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

02-09-2011, 08:16 PM	#9
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Machine shop wows. I've heard several times that a cheap set of aftermarket aluminum heads for a sbc is only a couple hundred bucks more than having a set of doublehumps redone. __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

02-09-2011, 08:21 PM	#10
BadaSs_Cal Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Walnut Grove, Ca Posts: 216	Re: Machine shop wows. I couldnt find a place I could rely on for a redone 250 head. Didnt wanna cheap out and get the 200$ autozone one. I prefer quality over cost.. however I have a price limit.. $1200 bucks from 12bolt was way out of my range... and I just needed a stocker. O well, Ill take it to a buddy afterwards and have it confirmed the shop did everything they said they were going to do... and drive it like an old lady. __________________ 66 Gmc 1 ton. Long Step 351e V6 69 1/2 CHEVROLET (now a shortbed) LONGBED!:devil 61 Shortbed Fleetside 1/2 ton.. in progress Next a 50-53! MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447926

02-09-2011, 08:31 PM	#11
LandonL Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 440	Re: Machine shop wows. I have pics of my entire six silly build, but here a pics of the head after it was redone. He had painted it a cast iron grey to keep it from rusting after he got done hot tanking it. In the pics I had already painted it orange. __________________ ---\| 1967 GMC Stepside \|-- 250 L6 .030 over ---\| 1985 Porsche 944/1 \|--- Build Thread: '67 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378640

02-09-2011, 08:45 PM	#12
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Machine shop wows. I'd also consider looking at new heads at that price. You could sell the originals to someone wanting to go 100% original (before paying for the machine work) and get a nice set of the summit vortec style heads or skip white heads for just a little more but with much better performance... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

02-09-2011, 08:47 PM	#13
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,402	Re: Machine shop wows. - I was just quoted $250-300 to completely re-do my 327 heads. New guides, hardened seats, trued, etc, etc. If they were camel hump I would probably do it but not for run of the mill heads. Now I'm looking. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-09-2011, 08:56 PM	#14
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: Machine shop wows. i had a set of SB heads done 7 years ago & it cost $597.00,with unleaded fuel of today, you need to put harded seats in the exhaust side, i also had bronze guides installed,new springs for the lift on the cam in which it good for a .525 lift cam & they replaced some valves, clean & check the heads for cracks, it depends on what you want done to the heads, & what it going to cost you,i want stainless steel valves & that would have been another $140.00.Head & block work is not cheap & you could be in the $1500.00 to $2000.00 range, time for a good crate motor for &1500.00 to $9000.00 more power ARHHH, ARHHH, ARHHHH

02-09-2011, 08:57 PM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Machine shop wows. Around here a complete head rebuild on pair of small block heads that needed valves,seats,and guides ran about $300 25 years ago.To me that price sounds about right for the Bay Area. It needed planing and all. $150 sounds crazy cheap. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 02-09-2011 at 08:58 PM.

02-09-2011, 09:12 PM	#16
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	Re: Machine shop wows. This board is the home of $200 powder coated frames, $100 sandblasted cabs and swb, big blocks for 5K. I'm expecting to hear some people only pay a nickel per gallon for gas Everything costs $500! __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

02-09-2011, 09:16 PM	#17
LandonL Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 440	Re: Machine shop wows. I did buy the valves on mine separate so they weren't necessarily included in the cost. $150 was just his charge on labor, no parts included. __________________ ---\| 1967 GMC Stepside \|-- 250 L6 .030 over ---\| 1985 Porsche 944/1 \|--- Build Thread: '67 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378640 Last edited by LandonL; 02-09-2011 at 09:16 PM.



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02-09-2011, 11:24 PM	#18
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: Machine shop wows. Not to steal the thread or anything. How much would a set of new heads cost? What would be better machining them out or buying new? __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

02-09-2011, 11:30 PM	#19
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Machine shop wows. that ol 250 should last you for a long time in my op. the inlines are one of the most reliable motors ever. I had some 350 heads completely redone this year and it was around $275 and i thought that was high but you got to look at the areas, i live in one of the cheapest cost of living areas in the country but we don't make as much either __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14 Last edited by Hubscrub; 02-09-2011 at 11:30 PM.

02-09-2011, 11:36 PM	#20
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Machine shop wows. lol hub you can get summit vortec heads for $650, thats what I did.. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

02-10-2011, 01:42 AM	#22
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	Re: Machine shop wows. I run a Machine Shop not engine shop but aerospace and I can tell straight out it is very expensive to get anything made. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the guys hourly wage. Our rates average around $100 an hour. so go figure. If you think you got your moneys worth that is all that matters. I can remember when my engine guy could hot vat, line bore, .030 over, and install cam bearings and valve job for around $300 on a SBC. That was back in the late 80s and early 90s I'd bet the same job is around $500-700. Good luck! __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

02-10-2011, 01:43 AM	#23
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	Re: Machine shop wows. Replacing valve seats can get expensive. Sounds about right. If he stands behind his work, I'd say its worth it. Quality machining is not cheap. Headwork $600 Block machining $800 Gaskets, etc. $200 Confidence in your engine? Priceless..... Last edited by 5150.4.67; 02-10-2011 at 01:45 AM.

02-10-2011, 09:12 AM	#25
BadaSs_Cal Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Walnut Grove, Ca Posts: 216	Re: Machine shop wows. Thanks guys this makes me feel a whole lot better about the whole thing. Like I told the wife last night, I could of took the easy way out and went with a crate V8.. But imagine when I pop the hood and all the old timers start grinning ear to ear. Even my machinist was excited when I told him it was an inline I was bringing in. ( but maybe thats because he knew it was a gold mine... lol) Well as soon as I get it back I post up some pictures. __________________ 66 Gmc 1 ton. Long Step 351e V6 69 1/2 CHEVROLET (now a shortbed) LONGBED!:devil 61 Shortbed Fleetside 1/2 ton.. in progress Next a 50-53! MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=447926 Last edited by BadaSs_Cal; 02-10-2011 at 09:12 AM.

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