valves for small block 587 heads

i was looking around on those.. im not sure how well i trust like a local parts store .. **** they want to know if you automatic or manual just for headlight bulbs... would it be worth it trying to clean up valves i already have laying around? what decides whether a valve is good or bad

Used them all the time. Intake stems usually don't wear much, Exhaust usually need to be replaced. I typically go with Ferrea stainless valves for exhaust. Do you have valves? Intakes can be 2 or 4 groove. Exhaust are 4 groove. Just reuse them.