Does anyone know of any reliable/trustworthy shops in Maryland, or close by, that do the walnut-blasting of the intake valves for less than $150? I know this is pretty cheap, it's just the price I came up with to make it justifiable to me not going the DIY route. However, I have found the many highly detailed write-ups on NAM and I do appreciate them. I also have the bentley manual but I havent looked in there to see if it details it any further. Anyway, thanks for the help!

 

If you find a good place for that price, I'll drive to Maryland.

 

I might fly mine to Maryland if that is the price. ;-)

 

I doubt you will find anything at that price. However, call Mach V Motorsports and see what they recommend. Matt or Dan should be able to direct you to a reputable person if they don't do it.

http://www.machv.com/

They are in Sterling Virginia, but to be honest, they are the best in the area for MINI.

 

Don't know anyone in Maryland, but Helix motorsports in Philly is worth a drive. They can do it for you and much cheaper than dealer.

www.helix13.com

 

+1 for Eric. I live near Baltimore and made the drive up to South Philly to get mine done there. Top notch service. They had my car in and out in less than 3 hours

They did such a good job, and Eric was so pleasant to deal with that they are getting my business for the rest of the time I own my Mini (clutch job is next).

Oh yeah and they allow access to their wifi so I could do some work while waiting. There was an Xbox sled (tv with steering wheel/seat) for longer wait times.

 

Try dry ice blasting. Look around town and see if anyone does it. That will clean then up nice and shiny