Ported Cylinder Head

veer90

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What's the best option if I want to do a head swap sometime in the near future? ABR? Local machine shop? What are my best options if I want to build an 8,000 rpm N54 with oversized valves?

I do not want a VAC head because their freeze plugs have popped off on multiple builds, their machining sucks, and they're overpriced as hell.

I do not want an MMP head because AFAIK they're unproven (correct me if I'm wrong).

I heard Ghassan also does ported heads? Or does he do them for ABR. Either way, please discuss. Thanks
 

fmorelli

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Is Rebello doing the headwork (I assume so) for the N54 program stuff Tony Vargas was discussing? If so they have a generally deep track record. Could be worth a reach out to Rebello to discuss.

Filippo
 

Torgus

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What's the best option if I want to do a head swap sometime in the near future? ABR? Local machine shop? What are my best options if I want to build an 8,000 rpm N54 with oversized valves?

I do not want a VAC head because their freeze plugs have popped off on multiple builds, their machining sucks, and they're overpriced as hell.

I do not want an MMP head because AFAIK they're unproven (correct me if I'm wrong).

I heard Ghassan also does ported heads? Or does he do them for ABR. Either way, please discuss. Thanks

Are any of them really 'proven'?
 

veer90

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Are any of them really 'proven'?

I'd say whatever head setup Motiv used for 978 whp is proven. I didn't see any details in their build thread but I'm assuming they're using a VAC head since that's what they sell.

I just don't want one because I've heard bad stories both online AND in person from installers about those heads.
 
Oct 24, 2016
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Rebello ported N54 heads are only available through VTT. Rebello is proven in the I6 community for many years

Break down:

  • Complete Disassembly & Cleaning
  • Leak, Crack & Pressure Test
  • Multi-angle Intake, Radius Exhaust Valve Job
  • Unshrouding of Valves
  • Supertech valves
  • Supertech single spring design specifically designed for use in turbo engines
  • Supertech retainers
  • Full Port and Polish Work by Rebello head specialist
  • CC’ed Chamber
  • New Valve Guides
  • New Stem Seals
  • Trueness Checked & Resurfaced Mating Surface


Price is $3799 exchange lead time 30 days, We can provide a head $1000 core charge.
 
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fmorelli

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I just don't want one because I've heard bad stories both online AND in person from installers about those heads.
I just want to provide some additional information. I can't speak specifically to the N54 head. But Tony Salloum and VAC Motorsport were sponsors of the two special interest groups I run, one of them being the BMW Club Racing SIG. His reputation, and this is over a very long period of time, is quite high in that community. Enough so, in my opinion for me to reply back on this thread. First-hand investigation may be worthwhile - there are not a long of folks with deep experience machining BMW heads. I'm sure it is possible that Tony's stuff could have had some issue, but given his reputation I would consider investigating. Hope that helps, and good luck in the hunt!

Filippo
 
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veer90

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I just want to provide some additional information. I can't speak specifically to the N54 head. But Tony Salloum and VAC Motorsport were sponsors of the two special interest groups I run, one of them being the BMW Club Racing SIG. His reputation, and this is over a very long period of time, is quite high in that community. Enough so, in my opinion for me to reply back on this thread. First-hand investigation may be worthwhile - there are not a long of folks with deep experience machining BMW heads. I'm sure it is possible that Tony's stuff could have had some issue, but given his reputation I would consider investigating. Hope that helps, and good luck in the hunt!

Filippo

I don't doubt the reputation of this Tony guy based on what you told me. But doesn't VAC outsource their machining for head work to a 3rd party? i.e. is this guy who is good actually doing the work
 

fmorelli

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I don't doubt the reputation of this Tony guy based on what you told me. But doesn't VAC outsource their machining for head work to a 3rd party? i.e. is this guy who is good actually doing the work
If it was me, and I was interested, I'd probably call VAC up directly and see what they can do for me, and address any concerns or questions in the process of that discussion. I do see they have an entry just for the N54 head.

I know they have a full machine shop - I happen to know they do their diffs in-house only because I considered a VAC diff for my Z4 and did the research (z4 is welded and a PITA as it requires special machining.) I also follow Tony on LinkedIn and all his comments seem to be with folks that make machine shop tooling. But I have no idea how or who does the head work. But I'm sure those guys are more than glad to chat about anything you'd want to know as a potential customer.

If you do decide to talk to them, curious to hear what you find out. Actually, I'm curious to see what you find out all around, so please keep us posted on your decision making process.

Good luck!

Filippo
 
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The Convert

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I just want to provide some additional information. I can't speak specifically to the N54 head. But Tony Salloum and VAC Motorsport were sponsors of the two special interest groups I run, one of them being the BMW Club Racing SIG. His reputation, and this is over a very long period of time, is quite high in that community. Enough so, in my opinion for me to reply back on this thread. First-hand investigation may be worthwhile - there are not a long of folks with deep experience machining BMW heads. I'm sure it is possible that Tony's stuff could have had some issue, but given his reputation I would consider investigating. Hope that helps, and good luck in the hunt!

Filippo
They've screwed some people over in the n54 scene. They've earned the bad rep you'll see in this community.
 
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veer90

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Nov 16, 2016
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West Nyack, NY
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Rebello ported N54 heads are only available through VTT. Rebello is proven in the I6 community for many years

Break down:

  • Complete Disassembly & Cleaning
  • Leak, Crack & Pressure Test
  • Multi-angle Intake, Radius Exhaust Valve Job
  • Unshrouding of Valves
  • Supertech valves
  • Supertech single spring design specifically designed for use in turbo engines
  • Supertech retainers
  • Full Port and Polish Work by Rebello head specialist
  • CC’ed Chamber
  • New Valve Guides
  • New Stem Seals
  • Trueness Checked & Resurfaced Mating Surface

Price is $3799 exchange lead time 30 days, We can provide a head $1000 core charge.

Thanks for the info Chris I'm assuming this is the head you guys are running now?