hey man if you dont need the car to go around, keep rebuilding it. Slowly though. Just like any hobby, it gets expensive. Think of the cost as an investment in knowledge of the car.

 

Ok I need some input. I'm thinking to not refurbish the good head - just clean it up, and then try to locate a replacement for the right side. I save $375. I will take my time on this. I'll have some new pics tomorrow on what I've done.

 

What exactly does "refurbish" mean in this case? At the very least, I'd have the 'good' head pressure-tested and the valve-stem seals done. It would be good insurance on a vehicle that's been abused.

 

No more waffling.... I'm going forward. I'm getting good head taken apart, cleaned, valves re-seated, pressure tested. I'm looking for a head for passenger side. I may have found a source for another head. Trudge on... pictures by the weekend.

 

Keep this thread going! I'm in the same boat.

 

I have tons of pictures and updates coming... I'll need help from members very soon. I have both heads off, and reconditioned. I have the entire front end off, doing the timing kit as well... will update this week.

 

Very cool. I'm all eyes and ears on this one, curious as to where you bought the parts. ( Audi Parts - Vw Parts - Audi Parts Vw Parts Specialist Blauparts ?)

 

I decided to strip the entire front timing section, water pump, thermostat, everything. Getting timing kit from Blau parts - $345. I took out the alternator also. The car has 170 k on it and thinking for $150 - just replace it now.

Next is dropping the oil pan and removing the casing around the crankshaft. I'm pretty sure it was leaking so I'm cleaning that and putting new gasket or sealer. I need to lock in the crankshaft first. Its in TDC right now.

I've refurbished the passenger side head. I bought one off Ebay for $150. It cost me $350 to have it torn apart, seals replaced, resurfaced, cleaned, checked out. So - $500 altogether. The drivers side was good, original, but I'm having it refurbished as well for about $300.

Got a Craftsman torque wrench for Fathers Day - 3/8". I need a 1/2" as well.

And before I proceed any further - I need the Audi service manual in order to put this all back together - torque settings etc..

Have to purchase gasket sets yet - pricey.

Question - put heads on or timing "stuff" first?

Pictures of heads coming next - the passenger side is beautiful.

Yet to buy:

Gasket sets
Plug wires
vacuum tubing
oil vent hose - pricey...
timing set from Blau

 

So what's the secret to unbolting the exhaust manifolds and water lines?!

 

Unbolt the exhaust where the pipe hits the muffler system (3 nuts) - not at the head. When you get the head off - I had the shop take off the rest. It still took me awhile to get off the 3 nuts - tight... I bought a long ratchet wrench.

Water lines? - to the heads - on back? Easy... explain more - not sure where you mean.