Guess I'm still on the fence about this after all. I'm trying to decide what to do when I rebuild the 289 in my '65 coupe. (Assuming it doesn't sell, which it probably won't by the end of this month)
I thought I wanted to keep the original iron heads and get them worked by a machine shop like
www.powerheads.com. However...as far as cost goes, I know that if I use the original heads it'll run about $1,000 for the machine work. I'm not sure about the aluminum heads, though. Will they need $1,000 to get them worked similarly? I'm kinda assuming that any new aluminum heads will come with things like upgraded valves, chrome moly retainers, heavy duty locks, .550 lift high performance spring package, screw in studs with guide plate assemblies, and hardened chrome moly exhaust seat inserts. If not, at least something similar or at least built strong enough for my application, I'd hope. If they came with these, that'd cut down a lot of the cost since the machine shop wouldn't have to fool around with these things, right? If all I'd have to get done is a port and polish plus some bowl work, that'd be alright. I'm just trying to get an idea of what I can expect to pay and get out of each option before I get in over my head. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.