TheSamba.com :: View topic - Rebuild my cylinder heads or buy refurbished/new one

Fri Aug 14, 2015 12:37 am

Hello everyone I have what I believe to be a 1600 single port engine from my 1969 beetle. The valve seat for my intake valve looks to be bad (Shown here http://i.imgur.com/6ki5Xye.jpg) and I was wondering which direction to go. I called my local machine shop and he quoted me $533 for new valve seats and new valves in both heads. I was wondering if I could buy new heads for about the same price? What are some good cylinder heads that wont break the bank and can get my beetle back on the road?

Fri Aug 14, 2015 3:57 am

http://www.amazon.com/Single-Complete-Beetle-Cylin...sp+1600+VW

Fri Aug 14, 2015 6:53 am

http://chircoestore.com/new-dual-port-head-with-valves-85-5-each-air-cooled-vw-engines.html
I have these on one of my engines. The engine builder uses these.

These below have a 24 month warranty.
http://www.secarpart.com/cylinder-head-dual-port-043101355ck-secarpartcom-p-1282.html

Like you the price to rebuild verses new its a no brainer. New!

Fri Aug 14, 2015 9:18 am

thisguy240 wrote: Hello everyone I have what I believe to be a 1600 single port engine from my 1969 beetle. The valve seat for my intake valve looks to be bad (Shown here http://i.imgur.com/6ki5Xye.jpg) and I was wondering which direction to go. I called my local machine shop and he quoted me $533 for new valve seats and new valves in both heads. I was wondering if I could buy new heads for about the same price? What are some good cylinder heads that wont break the bank and can get my beetle back on the road?

I paid my local VW guy $50 for new exhaust valves. Parts and labour included.

Fri Aug 14, 2015 9:22 am

Just so we are comparing apples to apples, he did say single port.

http://chircoestore.com/rebuilt-single-port-cylinder-head-complete-1300cc-1600cc-66-7.html

Fri Aug 14, 2015 9:58 am

Thanks for the help everyone! A friend of mine also recommended mofoco cylinder heads. Has anyone used them or know more information about them?

Fri Aug 14, 2015 10:04 am

Mofoco is pretty legit from what I have heard. Roy (the owner?) hangs out on theSamba a lot, you could try and find him and send him a PM.

Their work has good reviews and they seem to stand behind their product. I have no first hand experience though.

Fri Aug 14, 2015 11:57 am

talljordan wrote: Mofoco is pretty legit from what I have heard. Roy (the owner?) hangs out on theSamba a lot, you could try and find him and send him a PM.

Their work has good reviews and they seem to stand behind their product. I have no first hand experience though.

NO.

Fri Aug 14, 2015 11:57 am

thisguy240 wrote: Thanks for the help everyone! A friend of mine also recommended mofoco cylinder heads. Has anyone used them or know more information about them?
Mofoco heads are made entirely in the USA-----(I believe they are currently the only heads made here). I have used them on a couple of engines with no problems.

Fri Aug 14, 2015 12:56 pm

thisguy240 wrote: The valve seat for my intake valve looks to be bad

Yeah, looks like that valve seat has sunk into the head.

Seems you have a decision to make...
Pay Mofoco $400+ shipping for a pair of rebuilt German SP heads (4-week wait, but cores not needed?)...
Pay Chrico $460 + $50 core charges + free shipping for a pair of rebuilt SP heads (probably German since I don't believe anyone else made SP heads, but you should check)...
Pay your local guy $533+tax(?) for your pair of rebuilt SP heads...

Fri Aug 14, 2015 3:06 pm

Just put a pair of Mofoco 040 heads on my rebuild, paid for the extra port and polishing, along with Weber ICT's and couldn't be happier.

Roy was very helpful with information on rebuild. Heads appear to be well made. Engine runs a lot cooler.

Fri Aug 14, 2015 3:13 pm

XR6T wrote: Just put a pair of Mofoco 040 heads on my rebuild, paid for the extra port and polishing, along with Weber ICT's and couldn't be happier.

Roy was very helpful with information on rebuild. Heads appear to be well made. Engine runs a lot cooler. X2

Fri Aug 14, 2015 5:09 pm

Single port heads are not in demand so you should be able to find a pair that are good to bolt on and run for cheap. If you inquire enough on the samba classifieds it should not be a problem. Modok at one time said he had a pair for sale.

Sat Aug 15, 2015 7:26 am

Sorry I missed the single port head thingy. I happen to have a set of rebuilt single port heads not for sale.
In some cases it is feasable to convert to dual port.

Sat Aug 15, 2015 9:22 am

I was reading about these the other day, made by AA....the folks who also make p/c sets that many folks run and like:

http://aapistons.com/products/copy-of-stock-head-single-port-w-seats-and-guides

Sat Aug 15, 2015 3:28 pm

After looking around more online I found a good deal for one from Mid America Motorworks for $185 which is the cheapest single port head I've seen so far. http://www.mamotorworks.com/VW/product/remanufactured-1500cc-1600cc-single-port-cylinder-head_300276

Will buying one cylinder head be ok or would it be recommended to by both sides?

Sat Aug 15, 2015 3:48 pm

Based on the appearance of your head from the first post, I'd highly recommend going with two rebuilt heads rather than just the one if you can afford it.

Sat Aug 15, 2015 4:29 pm

You can change one head, but it would be best to CC the old and new head and make sure the chambers are the same size.

Sun Aug 16, 2015 6:28 am

Single port heads are much harder to come by. I learned this when my valve guides failed in my '70 a few years ago. The rebuilder used cheap Chinese heads that lasted about 3 years. Buy new ones while they're still available & you won't regret it. Just make sure they're VW built. Mine were new, Mexican. If you can't find new VW, I'd go with rebuilt VW. JMO...

Mon Aug 17, 2015 7:29 am

Good single port cores are getting harder to come by. I am working harder than ever in searching for good cores to buy. I have some right now but I can rebuild those, no problem. I will need to replace that seat but that is no big deal.

If you send them in, I can get them done in 3-4 business days. I am currently 100% caught up on cylinder heads. If you would like to discuss further, feel free to email me direct [email protected]