Yeah, certainly many ways to skin a cat. If I were the OP, because I have the J heads already, I would start with inspecting them. I just did a small block set of heads - new exhaust valves, new springs, 3 angle valve job, and cut .030 and my bill was just under 500 bucks. Guides were all in tolerance. Now that the black Friday sale is off, those SM heads will ring a 1200 dollar bill - and need studs for fully loaded heads. Still not a bad price, but just say'n.