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

Have you found someone to do the walnut blasting in Md?