Unleaded head conversion.

After burning out an exhaust valve on the way to Brooklands, have taken the plunge and had the cyl. head modified.
Very pleased with the result. Thurston engineering of Stondon Massey in Essex did the business for me. They replaced 4 exhaust valves and
hardened seats plus 1 inlet seat. Plus a set of new valve springs.
Happy motoring to all,
John & Gina.

As my 998 Mini Cooper is about to undergo similar surgery....
That is Head off - (Poor compression on No.3 & No.4 cylinders )- almost certain that valve replacement &/or valve seat work needed.
They say that comparisons can be odious - but would really love to know what you were charged by Thurston Engineering ?
David2010

Hi, Thurston engineering charged me £315 +vat for all the work and included the head set. I think this was a trade price they gave me.

My quote for head off / new gasket / head on again = 140 Euro = 119 Pounds. All extras (e.g.Valves / Valve Springs / Guides are extra).
David2010

Thurstons price included 5 valves 5 seats all springs and gaskets. A friend did the work and changed a drive shaft coupling and sorted out a few oil leaks which came to £200.
Pleased I had it done as 'titch' is running well and even the heater is working.

Swapping a head is something I do in a day. I've not yet had need to have one converted (and my cars do 50 miles a day, every day, on plain unleaded). I have a couple of spare heads in the shed, but when the day does come, I have a nephew who specialises in doing cylinder heads!

My 1275 Sky is having the head off soon - it's been overheating since a recent motorway blast; I think the gasket blew - it will be interesting to see what condition it's like inside.