I know that makes it sound like this thread belongs in "Off Topic", but it doesn't. As part of my C124 project, I am considering doing the head on my 300CE. I checked at Metric Motors, and if I can persuade them I'm a mechanic doing a job for a customer, I can get a quality re-done head for about 800 bucks, plus core and shipping. That includes a new valve train. I can't seem to get an answer anywhere as to what a machine shop here in Baltimore would charge to do the same thing on my existing head, which I'd rather keep. They all say they'd have to look at it first.

Assuming that the head is intact and needs only normal surfacing and cleaning, what should the re-man with the valve train cost?

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I never go far without a little Big Star

1994 E500 199/Gray 82k
84 300D (Salty) Orient Red/Palomino 141k
88 300CE (Ersatzhammer) 904/Java 163k -- Turbo Technics twin turbo kit, AMG Gen I body kit, Sportline steering box and steering wheel, Sportline/Eibach /Bilstein Sport/500E suspension, Quaife LSD in 210 mm diff case, Silver Arrow brakes.
88 300CE Brabus 3.6 199 on Black 44k

IIRC, I paid around $400 for my old head to be cleaned / decked / valve stem seals,springs done. It was good as new when finished.

I supplied the valve springs and stem seals. I had the valve guides measured and they were within factory spec. I think I remember something about the early (pre-90) 124 cars had softer guides that needed replacement with mileage. You can purchase a new set intake/exhaust guides for $80. Otherwise the cam can be visually inspected for bad lobes and if its good, it's good. Rocker arms don't need replacement.

I had the work done at a good machine shop, they don't need to be European specific, just need to know their ****! Having a European shop do the work certainly wouldn't hurt, but it seems to inflate the price quite a bit. These cylinder heads are nothing special!

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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg
1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Pre 89 camshafts AND rocker arms need to be checked as they both wear on the older style.

I paid $225 for my head to be cleaned, skimmed, pressure tested and have new guides + stem seals installed (I provided them). He did an awesome job on it.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

Mark, Rockville ring and bearing charged me $60 to mill and pressure test the head on my C36, Let me know if you want their info.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

I checked out this thread fully expected a post from Aklim.

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Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

$10.00 in a cracktown.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran