So, I zeroed out my right intake valve about 9.5 engine hours ago. I re-shimmed to get it back in spec, but it's tightening up again. I know that I need new valves, but where should I send the head? I know of a couple different places: AS Racing, CRF's Only, and ESR.  What is everyone's experiences with using these shops? Are they all about the same price and quality? I'm also having a tough time deciding if I should use titanium or stainless intake valves. I know that the stainless valves are supposed to last longer, but I've heard that the motor will rev slower and lose some power. I would like to get this finished in less than two weeks for my next race.

Also, I don't know how many total hours I have on the bike because I bought it used. I'm guessing that it's in the 120 range. So I'm planning on putting in a new piston while the motor is open. I was thinking of using a 250R piston and then later putting in a 250R cam.

Well first off you should send your head to a mental facility for deciding to ride a honda lol. There is an add on here for really cheap honda headwork and i cant remember the name but it seemed to be a good place from what other tt'ers were saying and really reasonably priced. Or part that thing at and come to the ktm side

A couple more choices, Big bore thumpers has new complete heads ready also is an advertiser and supports TT, also MX time has been a popular choice around here for a long time for seat cutting.

I'm very happy with my ASR ported and polished 06 head and kibblewhite SS valves. Whehter you go with them or not give Paul a call pick his brain re Ti vs SS vs late model lighter valves.
ST O.D.

I used  CRF Heads Option #2 , $599 with excellent results,  3 riding seasons ago. I also had Brent adjust the valves. I highly recommend CRF Heads.

I had 7 riding seasons on my 04 when the right intake went to zero.

I also installed a Wiseco 13.5:1 piston.  Not as much torque as the Athena 280 kit, but significantly more power throughout the range.

I used Racers ER in Utah. I went all Stainless.Racers ER did an excellent job. They asked me questions after they received my head which I was very happy about. Check out their web site. Honestly, I did not notice any power loss with the stainless valves. I ride all tight woods so it may not be as noticable to me as it would for someone riding in more open terrain. If it ever becomes necessary, I will use Racers ER again and highly recommend them..

I just bought a stock Titanium valve, & going to slap it in over the weekend. I also zeroed on my R Intake. See how this goes, & next winter do the whole deal....piston, head work etc.
Anyone else just drop a stock valve in, shim & go ???

Call Ron Hamp.
Get a R model head and his valves and springs.
I had Ron fix up my head in 2006. After one adjustment I have NEVER had to change the valve adjustment.
I call it a good deal after all these years.

Ive been using Engine Dynamics for many years now. Always been very happy
http://enginedynamics.com/index.html

I would go with stainless valves and no longer worry about the head. There is a very small power loss but most never notice it. If you install one of the r cams you will only feel the power gain.
the 05 and 08 cams i think are the best.

I dont think Ron Hamp is doing the CRF heads anymore. Talked to him around a year ago.
But call him to be sure.  He did do very good work.

NewfieWR, on 26 April 2012 - 03:07 AM, said:

Nope....you need to cut the seats or you'll be right back where you are now...except with a lighter wallet. For me, thats what I need a shop for...plus, the shop here in Denver (OTD Cyclesports) installed my valves and springs for me which I got from Ron Hamp about 2 years ago. Eddie Sisneros works there and did the work. He is the guru on the jetting forum.

dmac1, on 27 April 2012 - 05:39 PM, said:

40 hours on the new valve, checked clearance today...perfect No head work, just a stock valve

Carlj75, I was in the same situation a couple years ago.  I shipped the head to AS Racing.  The recut the seats and replaced with stainless steel intakes.  No problems since then.

Regarding stainless vs. titanium, I could not tell a difference in performance when I got it back.  But I appreciate the much more reliable valves.  So, unless you race and are constantly bouncing off the rev-limiter, I would strongly recommend replacing with stainless.