Bill---One area to check while the head is off and valve work is being
done, would be to check for valve guide wear. These are pressed out/in,
and now would be the appropriate time to do this.
So far as the replacing the integral cast iron valves seats with those
made of Stellite, it's my contention that isn't necessary except
possibly for valve trains that operate at frequent high rpm with
stronger-than-stock springs. Have the machine shop check for valve
recession on your seats, then decide whether to reface or replace.
The stock head with the 7.5:1 ratio is a bit anemic, but has the
advantage of being able to use the low octane fuel. For a few more
ponies, you could have it kicked up to 9.0:1 by having it shaved to a
total thickness of 3.460.
Dick
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