top end rebuild, fair quote? Options

[TROJANMAN]

my mechanic has been nice enough to store my car for the last year. but with spring around the corner, i realllly want her back. i haven't had it fixed yet, because i can't justify paying him the $2,800 he has quoted me for the repair bill. the engine froze last year (after a valve adjustment he performed). the cause of the problem was a loose valve seat which dented the head. he said these things just happen. ironically, there was another 75 with the same problem, but worse damage i saw there yesterday. now i need to have the heads re machined and the valve seats replaced. Does $2,800 sound fair for this job? he is a true porsche mechanic, and races a 914/6 himself, so i trust he knows what he is doing. thanks in advance.
the rest of the car is mint - considering its age, just some fading on the interior. it's a '75 2.0

[Jake Raby]

I just know all the heartaches I had about 10 years ago with top end jobs...

The engine will last forever if its all worn equally, but tighten up the top end and things down below start talking.

The TIV is very durable in the bottom end, what will get you is the cam, lifters and thrust surface on the #3 cam bearing...

I have not done a top end in atleast 10 years, just too risky.

If you trust the mechanic, go for it.... If you end up with less than favorable results you'll just end up doing it again.... thats worst case. Maybe more parts, maybe less.... Maybe it'll last for 20 years-ultimately you are paying him so listen to him.

You need a very specific understanding of what he will do if it does come unglued, and how long he will cover it with his name..... If he is smart he won't give it a warranty, if he does its a wing and a prayer...