cylinder head buying need help

[buffblazer]

ok im doing a cheap rebuild on my 86 k5 with a 350 i wanted to spend a lot on the motor and do it right but im swapping my 4speed out for a 5speed so thats eating a lot of funds and i can only do the top end. i already have the cam and intake and carb i want but when i pulled the heads to fix the head gasket leak one of my valves was leaking pretty good. so im debating how to spend my money. should i just put new seals in or completly rebuild them? and also i dont know how good ebay heads are but i saw a few on there for good prices already rebuilt. i can only spend about $500 on them and would like to spend less if i could i really dont have a lot of money. any help would be great

 

[Wasatch K5]

buff,

I just had a valve job done on a set of 454 heads and the cost was just under $350.00 plus tax. It was a high quality job.

I would spend the money and get a quality valve job on your existing heads. If you don't do it now, you'll be doing it later anyway, and cursing yourself for not doing it right the first time. Also, if you don't do it now, you will be buying another set of head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets, not to mention the hours of time.

 

[dyeager535]

$500 will almost get you a set of Vortecs, or better yet, EQ cylinder heads Vortec replacements...

 

[Wasatch K5]

If you change to Vortec heads, don't you have to also use the Vortec roller cam-set up?

 

[dyeager535]

No. You'd need a Vortec intake, but those are cheap for carbed setups.

The rockers are specific as well, but I think you can get non-roller replacements pretty darn cheap.

I better add that this is assuming no emissions issues, since EGR can't be run easily with the Vortec heads.

Here is a link:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/880...vy-Cast-Iron-Cylinder-Head-Straight-Plug.html Complete pair of brand new, ready to run heads, $800. (plus shipping of course, unless you've got a local dealer, sometimes machine shops are)

 

[b454rat]

While it won't be $500, but this is a sweet setup for a 350.

Vortec heads, Professional Products Vortec intake (or Edelbrock, but more $$$) Comp Cams Xtrme 268, 750 carb, headers and good exhaust. Comp Cams website has a bunch of articals on this setup, and made just under 400 horse....I used this cam in a 400, sounds sweet and good all around power...

 

[buffblazer]

i think i may just rebuild then, im running a 650 edlebrock carb and im gonna buy a edlebrock performer intake and was looking at comp cams 4x4 cam, and also im already running headers and true duals so i got everything covered but the heads, and also no emissions. i live up in the greeley area of colorado does anyone know a good shop for machining?