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Thread: Machine Shop Recommendation

  1. #1

    Default Machine Shop Recommendation

    Hi everyone.

    The head gasket on my 96 blew, 125k miles. I'm looking for a recommendation on a machine shop to have the head resurfaced.

    Anyone have a bad experience replacing the head gasket on a high-mileage 1.8? The shop I took it to for the diagnosis (NTB in Rockwall) will not replace the head gasket because (their words) putting a refurbished head on an old block can cause problems due to performance mismatch of the "new" head and old block. Anyone ever have or hear about this happening?

    Thanks
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  2. #2
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    Unless the block is warped (don't know if that's possible or not), that sounds like BS to me.

  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by Tommy View Post
    The shop I took it to for the diagnosis (NTB in Rockwall)
    There is your problem - NTB really? Heck my local NTB has issues just mounting tires I don't think I'd trust them with Engine work. YMMV

  4. #4
    Mr Miata Solutions Rogue's Avatar
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    I have done plenty.
    Assuming the head is in good nick,
    You can just have the head trued, and put back on.

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by sammm View Post
    Unless the block is warped (don't know if that's possible or not), that sounds like BS to me.
    Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Thanks man.
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  6. #6

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    I need to find a better shop.
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  7. #7

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    Thanks, that gives me confidence. The car ran well before the head gasket blew, but since I have the head off, I was going to have the valve seals changed when I have it resurfaced. Any recommendations to the contrary?
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  8. #8

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    You might want to consider getting a rebuilt head from CHI in Grand Prairie.
    http://www.shop.headsonly.com/MAZDA-...TA-18-DOHC.htm

  9. #9

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    Once you find a good machine shop in your part of the world, have them skim the head and do a valve job, too. At the very least, lap the valves in if not a full valve job.
    What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
    My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.

  10. #10
    Mr Miata Solutions Rogue's Avatar
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    By the time you do all that, your within a few hundred of a JDM 40k engine.
    Swapping heads and swapping engines is just about the same labor.
    On a 100k + engine, something to consider.

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Titus View Post
    You might want to consider getting a rebuilt head from CHI in Grand Prairie.
    http://www.shop.headsonly.com/MAZDA-...TA-18-DOHC.htm
    Interesting idea, thanks, Titus.
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rogue View Post
    By the time you do all that, your within a few hundred of a JDM 40k engine.
    Swapping heads and swapping engines is just about the same labor.
    On a 100k + engine, something to consider.
    Yeah... I lack the necessary tools (hoist, stand, etc.) and experience. And, time. This is my son's daily driver - have to get him back on the road. Good suggestion, though.
    '96 M-Edition (daily)
    '74 Triumph TR6

  13. #13

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    Wells racing(fancy) or blaines motor supply (in the ghetto)

  14. #14

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    I've had good luck with Blaines for SBC stuff, but never used them for import work. Anyone have direct experience?
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

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