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I know this is hot topic but im still new. I have a 04 CRF 250x mostly trail riding. I picked up this bike for a good deal few years back, and the maintenance is unknown on it. It runs good as far as I can tell but I did notice the valves are begging to walk about. I have never done any real work on it other than valve adjustment and oil changes. I see other people are putting 07 and 08 R heads on them. How does this compare to stock? I also fear it time for new piston and possibly a Jug. Should I stay with stock or size up. Or am I just putting lipstick on a pig? This will also be my first top end job performed by me and my son as are attempting to learn together. so feel free to over elaborate.

You can leave the stock head on it, just have a shop cut the valve seats, and put stainless steel valves in it and an R cam. Of course, a new piston and rings. It isn't too tough, and you will like the peppier performance.

isn't the copper guides the real issue with with heads? Does it cost more to redo the guides than the a new head?