Dealing with a Machine Shop

[AJ Fresh]

Any suggestion on how to deal with a machine shop? I have one near me that said $450 for the following

To punch out the guides and install
-all valve guides, slight resurfacing of a straight cylinder head, cutting and resurfacing valves and seats $450 just labor no parts; includes checks for damage
-check to see how to check a valve to see if
Cutting and resurfacing valves
Includes cleaning the engine and checking for damage, magnaflux etc.

I can’t get an estimate from them on installing piston rings assuming the cylinder walls are in spec. I understand the cylinders may be damaged and require repair which would up the cost. I believe they will also be checking other specifications such as crankshaft journals, connecting rods, and main bearing, but still no estimate. Is that reasonable not to get any figure from them at all?

I’ve seen videos on checking specs and clearances in the block but feel like it’s best to have a machine shop do that because if work needs to be done, they would have to do it. Would it be advisable for me to have my own measurement tools just so I know if they’re bs’ing me?

Topic