Engine machinists ... who do you use?

[RG.net]

Well my engine is burning more oil every week, so a rebuild will be bound to happen soon.

So I'm curious, who have you used to machine the block, shave the head, port/polish etc.

I'm trying to get myself some quotes on different options of machining, so I can know what to expect, and where the build will go.

I'd prefer a company that is fimilar with our cars, but i'm not too fussed either way.

Anywhere in Sydney is fine.

Fire away, share your stories!

[manga_blue]

You should look hard at an exchange engine. Machining costs really add up. I had all my machining done in Melbourne, so that wont help you, but I can tell you it cost over $1,000. That was for:
- head cleaned, dismantled, pressure and hardness tested, 5 angle valve cut and light shave
- blocked cleaned, de-scaled and decked and bores honed
- crank, rods and pistons balanced, including all crank attachments from pulley to clutch housing

Throw in gaskets, bearings, rings and sundry bits and pieces and you're starting at $2k plus a heap of your labour and a few weeks off the road.

If you have the skills then you can end up with a known motor in virtually new blueprint condition. If you don't have the skills then you might end up with something almost worthless.

You can buy an exchange for an NB8A for well under $2k, swap it in a day and I'll buy your old head!

[RG.net]

I'd rather rebuild my current one tbh, I would like to stuff some goodies on the engine for a bit more power, and to handle whatever I throw at it.

So I'm looking for some machinists that I can talk to, which will help determine how far I want to go with it all.