I'm rebuilding my motor this winter, new cam, roller rockers, lifters, big oil pan, big oil cooler, and I plan on porting my stock 502 mag heads and having new springs put in. Would it be better to just buy a set of good heads instead or stay with the cast iron ones I have? What are the advantages of after market alum. heads and disadvantages? I have a good line on a set of Canfield heads from a buddy that has a new set. I was wondering if I should shy away from aluminum in a marine application. I don't care about the weight, I'm not racing and I don't have to worry about every pound, I want it to last.

important question is are you running in salt or fresh water?????? and do you wipe.... I mean flush your motors ???????

Just call me you retard

Mostly fresh water, occasionally salt but I will always flush. I'm running a 502mag with a Vortech blower, I'm estimating over 600hp in the condition it is now but want to get to around 700 or so when I'm done. I know the stock 502mag cam is mild at best so with a healthy cam and some good heads or head work I should easilly see another 100 hp. My question is can I make the stock heads good enough or will a set of aftermarket heads off the shelf be a better choice? I don't want to spend the money on heads and then have to have them ported.

Done, I'll call you tommorrow, pm me your phone number.

Why don't you just drive down the road a little ways and have Larry Peto fix you up. You drop off the boat, you wait, you pick it up with a check in hand and there you go instant horsepower. My boat is there now and I am counting the days until summer...

Go with the aftermarket heads. I like Dart. After you spend all the time and money improving the stock heads, you will realize that the money would be better spent on a set of ready to go, better heads. Sell your heads on ebay for good $. And you will be far ahead. BBB