just got a hold of these heads for my 305 carb... i know i need to take them to a machine shop and have a valve job... im no expert so I figured I would ask... is there anything else I should have done to them at the machine shop before I throw them on... the motor is getting a mild cam, lifters, rods, and timing chain just to keep her running long enough to buy my new motor... and supposedly the motor was rebuilt last year so I think Ill be ok with the rings holding up... any performance suggestions??

Have the machine shop install 1.94" intake valves and either pin the rocker studs or have them replaced with screw-in studs. New valve springs to match the cam are a must. New retainers to replace those stock exhaust rotators, which don't do any good.

Some basic clean-up porting would also help, but a shop that does "valve jobs" probably wouldn't be the place to ask for pocket porting.

If you have to prioritize these due to budget, then I'd say springs/retainers, rockers, larger valves, and porting, in that order.

By "rods", I assume you mean push rods, not connecting rods.

ok thanks five7... yes i did mean new push rods in case one happens to be bent when i pull them out.... ill check into the retainers... u dont think putting in 1.94 intake valves would be over kill??? i say that because thats what everyone else has been saying so im getting mixed messages?

you will get mixed opinians. You have to decide which to choose from. Just be carefull. I work at a machine shop and see people come in and do it everyday, spend alot of money to rework heads, and have machine work done to them. Get a estimate or all the work you need done. It might be worth just to get a set of aftermarket heads.

1.94" intake valves aren't overkill for those heads. If you have/can get ahold of, a die grinder, i'd do some pocket porting in the bowls. That's where you'll feel it when you're driving.

My priority order should have been: "springs/retainers, rocker studs, larger valves, and porting."

You could argue whether the larger valves or pocket porting would be more beneficial.

alright thanks for the info guys... ill check nto all that when i recieve the heads in the mail

Ive had fantastic luck with my 081's..

But like everyone else stated, depending on application it
might not be your best choice in head..

I just rebuilt my L98 with 081 heads, and its just shy of
300HP, which is optimal for street applications.

the Head change hasnt effected drivability one bit,
I have nothing but praise for the 081 casting heads.
For the dollar spent, you cant go wrong..

Now the choice is are they worthy enough to modify
for your particular application? If it isnt, then some
aftermarket aluminum heads or some used vortec's
would be more than enough to punch your ticket!