I want to buy a new set of Dart Iron Eagle heads and can get a pair from summit for 1400 dollars. They also sell a set with upgraded inconel valves for 2000 dollars a set. I have a marine engine builder that wants to sell me a set for 2800 dollars a set with all the best chit. I took off a set of 990 GM heads with just the standard stuff which lasted fine for 8 years before the salt eat through the runners. So my question is, what level of parts are really needed?
Thanks

When building a marine engine, I believe in getting the best parts available, especially valve train. So I say go for the extra $$$. Along with Incomel exhaust valves, make sure you get 10* Titanium retainers and locks.

Your leaving a lot of info out such as type of engine, how many hours are on it or is it a fresh engine etc...........

Their both 454 gen 4 blocks bored .30 over with a 296 crane cam. They are 8 years old.

2800 sounds high to me. Manley inconel valves are about 45.00 a piece, good stainles intakes are less than 20.00, springs and retainers are about 250.00 for hyd roller, less for flat tappet. PM JimV or look up Valako Race Heads on the internet. He knows marine heads and can give you exactly what you need.

Been searching the webb for inconel valves for my BB. Found a number of sources at 320 for 8. That's 40 each. Found a set at CNC for 270 for 8. It's the same part # 11587. That's the 1.880 exhaust with 3/8 stem at stock height. Anyone heard of these guy's? Good/Bad to deal with?

JimV is porting another set of Dart IE for me. He is a great resource for the best value on parts. Ask him about freshening up my extra set of ported Dart IE's. The valve train is critical to both longevity and power.

You'd get hosed at $2800.
You might want to check out the Pro Topline heads. Around 900 a pair bare, tailor the springs, retainers and keepers to your cam selection. Ferrea valves seem to be the deal of the day, extreme service exhaust valves are their inconnel equivalent.

Crazyhorse, give Dean at Gellner Engineering a call. He goes by Mrhorsepower on OSO. He just sold me a set for my 540 with all the good stuff for a fair price.
His number is 216-398-8500.

I have Merlin rectangle-port heads on my 509 engines. I'm happy with them and plan to keep them when I upgrade the engines to 540 cid.
If I were to replace them due to catastrophic cylinder head damage I would look at the Pro Topline heads as well as the AFR heads.