Buy rebuilt head, or get head rebuilt locally?

[muppetman342]

Hey guys, I've got myself a 1990 325i with 300K and a bad head gasket with oil leaking down the side of the block. As far as I can tell water and coolant haven't mixed and the bottom end is in fine shape.

Prepping to pull the head and just curious what y'alls opinions were on rebuild vs buy rebuilt.

If rebuilding, my plans are to at least get leak tested, a valve job, new valve guides, valve stem seals, decked, and cleaned. Looking around in my area, Charlottesville VA, there are a couple engine shops but no one specializing in BMW motors (suggestions welcome). I'm estimating based on past experience that this could cost ~$500 assuming the head isn't fubarred. This could also go up if I break any exhaust studs when removing the exhaust manifold...

But then I see these VAC heads that'll run me $900 for the works, done by people that know the engine, with little bonuses like the deshrouding of the valves and whatnot.

I'm not afraid to pay a little more for better work, but if the $400 premium of going with VAC or someone of the like isn't worth it, then I'll pass.

ALSO, not strictly against stripping the head myself and then bringing it to a shop, but that would depend on how much said shop thinks that'll save me.

[jeffnhiscars]

Be aware that on a 300k engine any fresh head could cause blow by and you may also need a cam. I also think your estimate w guides is on the money.

Having said that there is no reason to replace your head if it passes inspection then perhaps put the extra cash in to the bottom end (ie rings and bearing). Then you're getting some real value...IMHO

[muppetman342]

What makes you say I may need a cam? Are these cams known to wear out? Would this be an obvious thing to notice with the cam out?

Interesting thought, I suppose rings and bearing wouldn't hurt...wasn't really planning on pulling the engine though, if I were, then I'd be going down the path of a new clutch and a whole bunch of new seals as well.

[jeffnhiscars]

With 300k anything and everything can be worn. Whoever does your head can evaluate the cam. The challenge with trying to update an engine with that number of miles is where do you draw the line before options other than a fresh head become more practical.

Why don't you do compression and leak down tests before you start taking it apart or making decisions.

[muppetman342]

Why don't you do compression and leak down tests before you start taking it apart or making decisions.

You read my mind, was going to do that this weekend.

[Reichart12]

Im surprised you would get a rebuilt head from VAC for only $900. Ive had good experiences with them so that's not a bad option. If youre shipping to and from VAC, also consider looking into more e30 centric shops like Bimmerheads and ForcedFirebird (on here).