Engine rebuild

[dwol]

Ok, its time for me to rebuild the old girl. 64 NPSM with FL block and mechanical injection pump. Question is should I do a full short block rebuild (crank, pistons, sleeves, bearings, etc) or should I include the head rebuild as well? Obviously the smart thing to do is get the head done as well, but times are tough and money is scarce. What do you guys think? could I get away with a short block rebuild, or am I asking for trouble?
Kind regards',
Dave

[Dandy Dave]

If the valves, valve seats, and springs are good in you old head, and your old head surface is flat, then you will be fine. If not, then you will need have it done. Take it to a qualified shop to have it checked if you do not have the equipment, or know how to do it yourself. Dandy Dave!

[AdrianNPMajor]

Hi Dave

I went through this process recently. Having the head skimmed, new valve guides inserted, valves and springs replaced cost approximately £300. As the 'breathing apparatus' of the engine, it is really important to do the head if you want to do justice to your hard work in rebuilding the lower end of the engine. But you know that, of course!

[dwol]

Thanks Guys!
My biggest worry is throwing a valve. I have seen guys rebuild the lower end, only to have a valve come loose and destroy it. I could probably just put in new valves, springs, retainers, maybe even guides by myself and just clean the head and seats (rather than regrind). Around here parts are cheap, but labor is expensive. I am sure that If I take the head in, they will charge me between $500 to $1000 for labor.
I had a really bad experience with my other Super Major. I needed the injection pump rebuilt, so I took it to the local shop. They took it completely apart and charged me $200 to inform me that it needed to be rebuilt and it would cost another $1500 to get it back together. I was really pissed off. Now instead of an injection pump, I had a box full of parts and I needed to cough up $200 to get the box back. Needless to say I paid the $200 and stormed out. I used this and other boards to track down a good person to rebuild it and I shipped it to him. He was honest and thorough, I paid another $600 and got my pump back nice and shiny! It has been working fine for the last few years.
At this point, I am very reluctant to pay anybody else to do anything related to my majors. Reminds me of health care in this country! (Good ol USA).
Well gota go thanks for listening to my rant
Kind regards,
Dave

[super6954]

Hi Dave
why not try shopping around for machine shop quotes. Its the same up here in Canada. I got a local guy within 40 kms. wont touch him , He wants twice the price plus of the guy i use 150 kms away . yes it costs a bit of time and fuel but the jobs done right and cheaper . There are 3 fuel shops local in the same town 2 guys are good on price one does discount on antique stuff and the other is reasonable too . the 3rd place im not sure how they get work as the pricing is off this planet. They wanted me to leave the pump and a signed check and they figured they would fill it in for $2000 before i got my pump picked up they got told to go fourth and multiply . one of the others did the pump and injectors for around $950 in the end .
Regards Robert