I see that's the new price for a pair of these (around $630 apiece).
I'm guessing there is definite advantage to these over the stock J heads and if that's the case, I'd pay something extra over the price of rebuilding mine.
They have a better combustion chamber, better ports,2.02 valves, are lighter and are 30 years newer for starters
I'm not sure why you're saying have them checked since they're new.
I have been told that the valve guide clearance is to tight and they will need to be honed.
I'd like to learn more about what the actual advantage would be. I understand an aluminim head allows for more compression without detonation (I think due to better heat transfer?) so this alone is significant. I could not find actual flow numbers for these or the stock heads but I'm guessing these may flow better since the ports are machined.
Yes the aluminum will dissipate heat faster allowing more compression to be used. I would keep it around 10.5:1 for pump gas. Check out http://www.shadydellspeedshop.com/index.htm for flow numbers
I assume I can use the stock intake and rocker arm setup so I'm not forced into buying more parts to go with them.
yes they use all stock parts
I wonder about durability.
I havent heard of any durability problems with them
I've had it in my head that I'd like to pick one upgrade from the stock setup where I can transfer rebuilding costs into the upgrade and this would seem to fit.
I appreciate the help I'm getting, and hope I'm not asking too many questions!