Headworkx - recommendations please

[s1.5f]

Having had a replacement ECU and Unichip upgrade from Austec to sort a running problem I've had since I brought the car Paul has traced another fault - I have a damaged or at least leaking valve seat. What'd like to do once the heads are off is to get as much efficiency out of the heads as possible without going too extreme. I don't think I'd want to replace the camshaft as I'm not sure I'd enjoy a 'cammy' S. So what should I do, and who do I get to do the work?:
* ported and polished?
* plus bigger valves?
* stage 1/2/3?

anyone with experience and recommendations most welcome as I'm new to Ford tuning! I've heard that Vulcan are good for off the shelf or Austec will port and polish for me... Help I need to get phoning!

Simon

[KentishS2]

Very good so I'm told: - www.specialisedengines.co.uk/info.html

[oatz]

Austec ported and polished for me - all fine!

[s1.5f]

So is it worth going for bigger valves or is this a waste of time without a 'hotter' camshaft?

[NicBowman]

I havn't tuned a 2.9, but lots of 3.0l stuff historically. The car is only as good as the weakest link, so fuel limitations will apply with the injection at some stage. I would always go cam first, a lot cheaper than bigger valves. Normally a 'generic' cam is very compromised to suit all driving styles, etc. TVR's are light and never tow, so cam suited to car will maybe reduce fuel consumption and low speed torque, but liberate top end. Nic

[WildfireS3]

I would agree with Nic, a change in cam will always be more beneficial than a change in valve sizes. Also you hit the point of spending so much money getting the heads done properly that you may as well sell up and get a V8. Try somthing along the lines of a Kent 266. This will give you better performance all round without making the car lumpy at idle.