head service shop recommendations?

Looking for shop recomendations for head work, nothing exotic or fancy.

02 wrx, stage 2. 160,000 miles

Looking like a bad head gasket, and maybe valves, maybe more, hope not.

Did compression/leakdown, clyinder 1 is low 112 vs 130 on cylinder 3, 2+4 were both 135.



leakdown on cylinder 1 only held 28 of 100psi, air coming through exhaust and oil filler.

Also noticed my coolant is going somewhere, put uv dye in, but dont see any external leakage, thankfully, it isnt in the oil.

If you feel I'd be just as far ahead to get a low mileage longblock, feel free to encourage me.

 

When I think of exotic or fancy head work, I think of something very different.

 

But on a more serious note, are you willing to drive to the cities? I'm assuming you're still in Siren, Wisconsin.

 

I always recommend DG Auto Repair and Service, which is located in South St. Paul. Great work, reasonable prices.
https://www.facebook.com/dgautorepairandservice/

 

As much as I'd like to keep it close to home, I'd like to have it done by a shop that sees Subarus regularly.

 

JM automotive did the head work for the Forester. Had rebuilt heads in stock. Work was done in a day. Bit of a haul for you.

https://www.jmautomn.com/

 

I used Metro Engine Service (metro machine shop) on the recommendation of a few members here and it went well. Seemed plenty familiar with Subarus and the heads I got back were great.

 

The only Subaru specialist shop I have experience with is JM Auto, but they're top notch and realistically, the most recommended shop around the forum.

 

I sent JM a request for a quote.

Thanks.

 

Haha...when I was writing my post, I almost requested recommendations for head shops.

 

Metro Engine does very good work. I could be wrong, but I believe thats where JM has their work done. Buying already machined heads off of JM would allow you to skip the two week to two month turn around time machine shops can have though!

 

Probably what I'd do.

 

FYI, Pat at DG auto used to be the head subaru mechanic at one of the local subaru dealers. He eventually quite and opened up his own shop, so he does have a ton of experience. He installed a new shortblock in my STI and it is still running great.

The shop that Pat uses (and many others in the twin cities) is Headwerks. They are spendy, but they do excellent work.