Can anyone recommend a machine shop for head refurb?

[TXBDan]

Hey all,I'm might be replacing my head gasket soon and am looking for a shop in the Boston/north shore/southern NH area who could clean up and inspect the (S52) head. Any recommendations?Thanks

[pbonsalb]

I like R&L Engines in Dover, NH.

http://www.rlengines.com/

Not the cheapest shop but one of the best around. I think Turner uses them. I have used R&L for 15 years. They built my turbo S52 shortblock in 2013, and it has held 600+ rwhp for 3 years.

[geargrinder]

Gtk.

[TXBDan]

I like R&L Engines in Dover, NH.

http://www.rlengines.com/

Not the cheapest shop but one of the best around. I think Turner uses them. I have used R&L for 15 years. They built my turbo S52 shortblock in 2013, and it has held 600+ rwhp for 3 years.

Great, thanks.

- - - Updated - - -

Gtk.

Where is this shop? I searched and cant find anything on "Gtk" in the area. Thanks

[geargrinder]

Ha, sorry... I was replying to pbon - GTK is innernet abbrev for "Good To Know"

[TXBDan]

The shops that have come up often are:

RL in Dover, NH
C3 in Foxboro, MA (Wile Motorsport uses them)
ABT in Holliston, MA

[pbonsalb]

I dont think a basic head refurbish is rocket science. Id use whoever is most convenient. I drive an hour to R&L though. If you get into fancier stuff like a multiangle valve job, a shop with an expensive Serdi floating head machine like R&L may be worth considering if the more local shops dont have similar grade equipment.

[Butters Stoch]

Tru torque in Hudson did my head. Came out great.

[TXBDan]

The head is currently at R&L. More shiny parts are being installed. Cost is escalating. Life is good.

[iferro]

golen engine, hudson nh. i see 1000hp engines run through there weekly.

[pbonsalb]

I have not yet seen a 1000 rwhp S52 but hope to one day.

[Butters Stoch]

I have not yet seen a 1000 rwhp S52 but hope to one day.

Golen does not just bmw

[pbonsalb]

How many S52 have they built? First connection to BMW performance for them that I have read of.

[Butters Stoch]

How many S52 have they built? First connection to BMW performance for them that I have read of.

Enough to stock supertech I guess.

[iferro]

How many S52 have they built? First connection to BMW performance for them that I have read of.

they do a lot of stuff for ace performance and turner. i was referencing whipple ls's and 600+ci big blocks. i've seen probably a dozen s54's in the machine shop there.

[pbonsalb]

Ok. Good to know there is another shop in the area with significant bmw experience.

[TXBDan]

Just to follow up on this, I got the head turned around at R&L in 5 days, slapped it on, drove 6 hours to Watkins Glen, beat on the car for two days, and drove home without a hitch. Would recommend!

[M-technik-3]

What was final scope of getting head rebuilt. What all did they do to it?

[TXBDan]

clean, pressure test, new valve guides, valve seat/valve grind (kept stock valves), supertech springs/seats/retainers, new valve stem seals, deck.

I kept stock lifters and cams and did ARP head studs.

[Butters Stoch]

clean, pressure test, new valve guides, valve seat/valve grind (kept stock valves), supertech springs/seats/retainers, new valve stem seals, deck.

I kept stock lifters and cams and did ARP head studs.

That looks expensive.

[DakarDario]

they do a lot of stuff for ace performance and turner. i was referencing whipple ls's and 600+ci big blocks. i've seen probably a dozen s54's in the machine shop there.

damn feels like the good old days seeing you on the forum
+1 on his shop