Im still gathering parts for my BB build. Its a 454 .030 block with stock crank, stock rods with ARP hardware. Pistons are TRW L2349 F .030 pistons. Cam is a hydraulic flat tappet: Adv Dur 276/284; @.050 233/241; .554/.572; 110 LSA. Going into my 66 Chevelle SS. TH 400 with 28-3000 stall; 3.73:1 rear gears. Dual plane intake and carb not purchased yet. Car will be street, occasional strip, not a daily driver.

SO Ive been sold on using my 781 heads....opening to 2.19/1.88 SS vavles, bowl work for porting etc. Problem Im having is this. Most places local to me machine shop wise want about $1K for the parts and work; which Im not doubting is worht thier expetise.....I have other sources out of state for as low as $750-800 but by the time shipping is all said and done, Im still at $1K. I dont mind spending thatg if its the smartest way to go, but is it? I question would it be more beneficial to purchase say a set of Merlin O ports which I think can be had new for $1400. I can sell my 781's for $150-200 as is and I have new heads for about $200 more than what my 781's would have cost. Then there is Summit's new iron head for like $1250., but its a rect port with 305cc runners which I beleive is a little too big. Again I'm looking for some opinions and guadance from the pro's here such as Pat Erik etc. Thaks for reading and those who respond!