Can anybody point me in the direction of a good machine shop that knows Subie heads? I need to have some cylinder head work done to my 2.5 DOHC and would like to take them to a place that can do the valves and set the valve clearances. Derry/Manchester/Salem/Haverhill, MA/Plaistow area would be great. The closest recommended shop I've found is Robbins Auto Parts in Dover. That's where Singer Subaru sends theirs. Anybody any closer that's done a good job for anybody here?

Robbins is a chain. You can drop it off at a local store if that's more convenient. I think they have a machine shop at the Manchester store but can't swear to it. You go North on South Willow street from the exit on 293.

 

Excellent stores. I used to buy all my Hella lights there when I was performance rallying - they had them on the shelf, at good prices.

I had my 2.5 heads shaved and pressure tested through robbins. I went to the milford branch. They're good guys. The heads took a little longer to come back than I expected. They said the driver who does the night deliveries has a problem with things "falling off the back of the truck" nod, nod, wink wink, so they waited for the afternoon truck. Good work on the heads.

Sounds like two votes for Robbins. I have also contacted a friend who works part-time for an automotive machine shop in Nashua. I still need to talk to the owner about the work to get a quote. Robbins quoted me about $300 a set for a valve job if I supply the two replacement valves. Seemed high to me but I haven't had head work done in a while.