RI Engineering

Advanced cylinder head resurfacing

Cylinder head resurfacing up to ten times flatter than machine shops and next day delivery at equivalent prices.

For over ten years we have offered the most advanced head resurfacing technology available. Higher quality, more reliable, faster turnaround times. Abrasive lapping is superior to traditional machine shop fly-cutting in nearly every way.

Benefits of cylinder head lapping:

--Minimal stock removal, typically .002" to .003" or less depending on level of warping/damage
--Superior flatness of .000" to .001" across entire surface of the head - no waviness in any direction or length
--Typical surface finish of 30 microinches RA. Can be adjusted higher or lower depending on gasket manufacturer's specs
--Near scratch-free finish
--No metal flakes, burs, or flywheel milling marks...EVER
--No head disassembly/stripping required

The end result is a near perfect head to block sealing surface for both reliability and optimal performance.

From passenger cars, motorcycles, diesel trucks, small engines, boats, or anything in-between, if it has a cylinder head, we can resurface it. We work with dealerships, small repair shops, and shade tree mechanics alike.

As with any engine work, mechanics' mistakes can be made. Scratches or dings in the sealing surface can jeopardize the viability of the head. Machine shop head milling can take days or even weeks, and for small defects can be overkill. Cylinder head lapping is the answer. It's quick, cost effective, and removes minimum stock.

Older engines usually did not require such precise specifications but with today's high tech, high performance, tight tolerance engines, gasket and engine manufactures are now demanding very specific flatnesses across both the length and width of the sealing surface, along with a higher quality finish. All these factors are critical for a good seal whether using OEM or aftermarket gaskets. Our process yields consistent results meeting or exceeding most OEM specifications with superior flatness and finish. Head lapping creates a random, non directional matte finish. This means no head milling or fly-cutting ripples, ridges, tool marks, or deep scratches, or worse, belt sanding digs and uneven surfaces that have the potential to cause leaks.

Head lapping is been used by many high end car manufactures, performance, and NASCAR engine builders to create their superior gasket-less sealing surface designed to withstand extreme engine stresses. Now this same technology can be applied to any engine head: small or large, old or new. Now there is no need to worry if your newly resurfaced head is flat enough. Say goodbye to the old straight edge and flashlight test. The block flatness is now the weak point.

Incoming cylinder heads require no special preparation by the customer. In our experience, the use of a wire brush or buffing wheel to clean up remnants of gasket material prior to resurfacing causes more damage than good and is not recommended. Cylinder heads that arrive in such condition may be impossible to fix. Simply remove the cylinder head and bring it in.

No head disassembly is needed. Just make sure all parts (valves, brackets, bolts, dowels, sensors) are retracted below the head surface. If the head surface sits flat on a table, it can be lapped.

All work is performed in-house and customer service is our #1 goal. We will call you when your parts are ready to be picked up or if we discover any issues along the way.