Valver head swap

[Andy Mc]

How long does this take..??

After having recently fitted my ported head and being unhappy with the results, the tappets have started rattling (bought off e-bay, beware...) so I want to stick the old one back on and put the high lift cams in that. Last time, I stuck it in with my mechanic and said the job would take about 10 -11 hours in total at ?40 per hour = ?440 total. Anyway the final bill was nearer ?600 due to additional hours I guess. Anyway, I can't really afford that again and I may be able to get it cheaper off someone else but really for info, I would like to know if this is a job which takes about 10 hours (or less or even more)..?

Also, will my old head be fit to use..? It's been off the car since Oct, stored in the shed but wrapped and boxed. Also, I replaced the timimg chain, fitted a new cam belt, I assume these will be ok to use again.

All answers appreciated..!

[free]

what did he do take engine out  to do it, 

6-7 sounds more like it 2 me

[AudiA8Quattro]

A garage shouldn't charge more than 3-4 hours to remove/refit the head.
Unless the head was skimmed and fully rebuilt.

[tinman]

depends how much a bastard it was to get off.

[free]

shouldent of been that bad, there easyer then 8v's

[AudiA8Quattro]

16v heads aren't a bastard to get off, try doing a vr6 head, thats got 20 head bolts, 3 different sizes, thats just for starters 

[tinman]

in an ideal world nuts and bolts come off like they were new. but after 16+ years they do have a habit of seizing. you only need 1 b'stard bolt or nut to start eating into your time. if you snap a stud off then time really starts adding up.

[AudiA8Quattro]

Yeah maybe, but 10 hours is scandalous 
The only bolts that could be a problem would be the exhaust nuts, but then if the studs break on the downpipe, it is easy to sort out once the head is off.

[Andy Mc]

Sounds like he's made a few extra pounds out of me...he charged me 3 hours to change the manifold a while ago and I was told that was to to long for that particular job.

Anyway, I've got a mate of a mate who say's he'll be interested in swapping the head at a very pleasing rate, but he would like to do it May time when the weather's better which I understand. In the meantime he's hopefully gonna do the clutch for me as it slips like a crazy bastard when I try and put any real power down. It's served the car well for 128,000 miles so I feel it's well due.