1lostsoldiers 302 head thread, take 2

For all the money spent on a cast iron head, you'd think you'd look into something lighter, and easier to repair

Exactly..........

I'm pretty sure aftermarket valves are made to certain specs, and not labeled "only for GM"

Nope, but I guess I never wanted to.........

How much lift can you run on stock valves and head without mill work?

depends on the heads, where the valves are in the seat, ect. 480 is doable, sometimes, better to check and be sure.