Robert, my typical rebuilt head rant:

If you have the cash or you think you are going to keep the van for any
length of time I would highly recommend replacing the heads with new
ones unless the old ones look awesome. Rebuilt ones are crap and I would
highly discourage using them. The original ones had problems with
pitting that the new AMC (Spanish) ones that we sell don�t seem to have.
Also the OE heads had problem areas where they like to crack around the
head nuts. The new AMC heads are thicker in this area and I have never
had one crack in this area (I have had several OE heads crack in this
area though). I use the AMC heads right off of the shelf with no
modifications. There are those out there that say they do a better job
on the heads by installing other valves, etc. I can only share that I
have installed over fifty sets of these over the years and I have never
had one single problem with them, right out of the box. I feel that
replacing the valves with other aftermarket valves is not beneficial and
should be done at the customer�s own risk. Keep the valves that the
manufacturer put in there. They are the ones that have the warranty and
they don�t want warranty claims. Just my advice on this.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Robert Stewart wrote:
> Good Monday to everyone,
>
> I have a local engine rebuilder working on my 2.1 Automatic engine
> which had roughly 250,000 miles on it.
>
> He informed my heads needed to be replaced. I could clearly see the
> space between the two valves having a indentation bridging them and
> the surface areas were very badly pitted.
>
> I planned on purchasing a set of rebuilt heads from Van-Cafe, anyone
> think this a good or bad idea?
> Anyone used them before? Have any feedback?
>
> Secondly is there anything regarding the rebuild that is a must to
> replace component wise since he has it all apart?
> i.e. sleeves, pistons, camshaft etc...
>
> I am awaiting a final parts list from him now but want to be sure I am
> not missing anything.
>
> Before he rebuilds it he is going to be cleaning all the parts in a
> special bath then glass bead blasting the non sensitive parts.
>
> Also how long should a standard rebuild take? i.e. 7-21 days? or is it
> something that can be done in a 40 hour work week?
> What kind of price should I expect?
> He told me it would be roughly $1500 dollars.
> He said he would be check to see if the camshaft needed to be reground
> and would check all valves etc. His shop only does rebuilds but of
> mostly race car engines and big truck engines so I trust he knows what
> he is talking about. He is not a VW guy at all he just knows engines.
> I did give him the Bentley just to be safe though.
>
> Any advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert
> NY
>