| Author | Message | ||
     Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 145 Registered: 04-2003 |
Does anyone know a machine shop in the USA which does a lot of Rover cylinder heads?? I have two pairs of new 4.0/4.6 heads which I would like to send off for "Stage I" machining. Want to use a shop which has lots of experience with Rover heads. Randall | ||
| Steve Cooper (Scrover) Senior Member Username: Scrover Post Number: 615 Registered: 09-2002 |
I have no first hand experience of these guys but they appear to know their stuff: http://www.aluminumv8.com SC | ||
| Mike M (Rangeroverhp) Member Username: Rangeroverhp Post Number: 145 Registered: 09-2003 |
I can help if you haven't found help already. My email is in my profile. | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 146 Registered: 04-2003 |
Steve: You're always so helpful on this board. Looks like D & D are primarily oriented around the 3.5 engine. That's a plus over BillyBob down the street. But the latest Rover heads are different from those antique Buick heads. I will call them to see what they know about the newest versions. Mike: Do you modify the heads yourself, or job it out?? Randall | ||
| J E Robison Service Co (Robisonservice) Member Username: Robisonservice Post Number: 123 Registered: 10-2002 |
What are you looking to gain by modification? What did you have in mind changing? The reason I ask is that we do quite a bit of performance head work, and we do many, many Rover heads and I have not observed much performance improvement with any of the things we've done. I suggest these things, which any competent machinist can do: 1 - surface the heads for a bit more compression and crank up the timing and octane 2- shorten and modify the exhaust guide and fit updated valves on GEMS heads to avoid valve sticking problems I do not think (based upon trying it myself) that porting, polishing, etc will get you anything you can feel. Feel free to call if you'd like to discuss this. | ||
| David Seger (Croakus) Member Username: Croakus Post Number: 70 Registered: 06-2003 |
I'm also a 4.0 driver with concerns about the heads. Where do I find the updated valves? I'm still under warranty so the dealer has fixed them for free so far. But I had to have the valves done 5k ago and it looks like it's time to do it again. I'm looking for a more permanent solution (besides driving really fast). Thanks. | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 147 Registered: 04-2003 |
Mr Robertson: Maybe I will call you. I actually own a machine shop too, and could modify them myself(late at night). But I am seeking someone in the US who actually knows how to best spend the time on it. Trying to increase the efficiency of the engine, not creating a race car. I'm certain that the exhaust valve problem is the result of GEMS program, and probably has nothing to do with the guide/valve. One example: It's just a valve and guide like any other pushrod V8. My 3.9 engine has 142K on it, with no hint of problems. Why not just use 3.9 valves if that is really the problem? David Segar just stated that his dealer modified valves only lasted 5K. Obviously it is something other than the valve which is the problem. If I had to suspect any part in the head it would be the oil seals. It's also interesting that people blame Lucas for all their elec problems. Yet the GEMS system is a wheel barrel load of Lucas electronics. So why do blame the valve stem, when it is obviously the fuel map?? Randall | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 189 Registered: 05-2003 |
Gromm Racing Heads 408-287-1301 San Jose, Calif. He has been doing head work for about 30 years. On my 3.9, he installed oversized seats, oversize S.S.valves, manganese-bronze guides, cut the guides so they don't protrude into the intake and exhaust ports, and blended the ports up to the new seats. He is a perfectionist and only uses the best quality parts. He won't say much at first,I think to figure out where you're coming from. Once he knows what you're looking for - he will talk in depth about what you want, and suggests how to go about it. | ||
| Luis Constantin (Luisc) Member Username: Luisc Post Number: 170 Registered: 02-2003 |
If you can afford it, extrude honing. But don't just do the heads. Do intake as well. http://www.extrudehone.com | ||
| Steve Cooper (Scrover) Senior Member Username: Scrover Post Number: 618 Registered: 09-2002 |
Stumbled upon this: http://www.v-8.org.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=368 Some reference to D&D also. SC | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 149 Registered: 04-2003 |
D & D not answering phone today. Another thought on the sticky exhaust valve: No one outside of the USA ever mentions the subject, but the problem is pervasive in the US market. It's only when the NAS GEMS system is attached to the 4.0 engine that exhaust valve has trouble. Randall | ||
| Mike M (Rangeroverhp) Member Username: Rangeroverhp Post Number: 146 Registered: 09-2003 |
Randall, The company I work for is partners in a performance engine shop. I work there nights. We do alot of rover heads. Valve jobs, resurfacing, performance etc. Have you looked at RPI's heads? | ||
| Randall Smith (Mr_smith) Member Username: Mr_smith Post Number: 150 Registered: 04-2003 |
Mike Trying to avoid sending my heads back to the UK, even though I know they can do it there. Maybe I'll send one pair to you. Will email you in a week or so. Randall | ||
| Mike M (Rangeroverhp) Member Username: Rangeroverhp Post Number: 147 Registered: 09-2003 |
Another option is to use RPI's exchange head program. Unless someone ruined it for the rest of us already. I know there was an issue here in the U.S. They will send you heads (Stage I,II,III) and charge you a core, then when the install is complete, you send them back and get a refund. Just an idea. Shoot me an email if I can help. | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1342 Registered: 02-2002 |
Any competent shop can handle working on them, they are not that special - just aluminum V8 heads. If you feel you must have a Rover specific shop in the US - try http://www.lanocharacing.com/ Bill |
