Well, TBH, I was hoping that someone would say to replace the head gasket, clean things up a bit and send it. Maybe get a couple of years of additional service as I save up for a full rebuild. But, if it needs to go to the machinist, then it needs to go to the machinist. This is new territory for me, and I don't even know what I don't know. When trying to determine if a shop is worth the risk, what questions do I need to ask and what answers are appropriate? What are red flags that should send me away? Given that I live in the mid Atlantic (a high cost area), what kind of pricing is reasonable? Am, I better off in the long run giving up on the antique (read expensive) engine and making the necessary modifications to adapt a newer, more supported engine (read as less expensive in the long run after the initial investment). I'm not looking for more horsepower or tire shredding torque, just something that I can reliably putt around town in. Even down VA State Route 3 (IYKYK).... Thanks in advance.
