Head Rebuild
Between work, waiting on some parts, and it being hot as balls outside, I've been slacking a bit. But the head is rebuilt and back on the engine.
I pulled it apart and ran it through the parts washer to degrease it. It's clean, but not perfect. Since I plan on totally rebuilding the engine in the next year or two, I didn't go crazy with cleaning it or decking it.
I lapped the factory valves and installed some Viton valve seals. Cleaned the OEM rockers, added some revised Topline lifters and some Manley valve springs. I had Delta Cams regrind my OEM cams to a HKS 272 spec, which should be plenty for the stock bottom-end. When I do the built bottom end, I'm likely going to go with some more aggressive 280s.
I also went with a composite Fel-Pro head gasket and ARP studs for now. Because the head and block weren't decked, I didn't want to risk using and ruining an expensive MLS gasket. This composite gasket should hold plenty of power and act as a fuse in case I get too aggressive with the tune.
(pre-cleaning)