Buddy is rebuilding his hp500 this winter. He is leaning towards having the stock head 'opened up' and replacing springs, push rods, etc... along with a different cam. looking for 575 or so hp when he's done.

My question is, isn't more worth the money to buy after market heads and swap them? Do the AFR's or equivlent come with valve train already asembled, just bolt them on? If not, can the old valves be reused, or does he have to buy all new valve train?

Edelbrock aluminum heads (oval or rec port) are listed as just under $1500 in Summitt less valve springs. The include the larger (2.25/1.88) valves and the exhaust valve is Inconel.

Best bang for the buck in BBC heads, imho. I'd spring for the AFRs or Canfields if the extra dough was no object.

Not sure what the resale value of his current heads would be on the open market. Could check closed ebay auctions for a data point.

yah, thats true, he could sell his heads for bit of $$ !

So do those Edelbrock heads give a hp number?

Edelbrocks are okay. $1500 - $1600 without springs isn't all that great of a deal vs what you get. IMHO. Mind you, I'm not saying they are bad.

With correct porting / matching cam the OEM heads can make the 600hp.

Jim Valeko (jimV) is the guy here to talk to about porting.

AFR's should always be seriously considered when looking for a strong (not just a big dyno hp) engine.

Here are some head flow numbers click here

Thanks guys. I'll send this to my buddy.

Another option is if he is doing a full rebuild and will be buying pistons anyway then I would suggest him consider a 4.250" crank. The dimple rods in these motors are plenty strong. The 188/990's can make very good power with a simple bowl blend and gasket match. Spending the coin on a crank and some mild port work should put him in the legit 575HP range and possible 600HP with this 540CID combo.

Definitely spring for an aftermarket set and then sell the HP500s to recoupe some of the cost.

Brodix, AFR, and TFS, are the superior off-the-shelf products.

Unfortunately, Edelbrock's quality control standards are variable, and on much of their product line they utilize a substandard aluminum alloy. However, most of my experiences are within the hi-performance automobile aftermarket as I have no direct experience with the BBC marine heads, the price is certainly atttractive.

I have a fresh set of 188s Inconel/Stainless valves....Mild bowl work & porting...They made 650hp on my N/A 540s.with mild flat tappet cams.
Still sitting at the machine shop...I have a 4.25 4340 Crank for sale also

I don't think he wants to get into changing the revovling compnents. Meanning the crank, rods, pistons, if he doesn't have to. Just rebearing it.