How difficult is it to port your own heads? What chemicals/cleaners would you need? Tools? (dremel and such) Time involved? How easy is it to mess the heads up by doing so (such as staying in one place so long that it leaves a groove that is irreparable). overall cost?

I plan on porting my vortec heads.

 

If you have never done it, i would advise spend about 20, bucks for a junk set and practice on them, as far as tools needed, you would need some carbide cutting tips, and grinding stones, then you would need the standard abrasives kit,

they also have a do it yourself guide

http://www.sa-motorsports.com/diyport.htm

Hope this helps some.

 

Don't mess with the vortecs intake port.

You can port and polish the exhaust port to good effect.

A dremmel will take you al long time.
get a die grinder.

 

Yes, use a die grinder, I used an air-operated grinder, worked great. You'll need the cutting bits and stones. Also, if you nick a valve seat, plan on paying for a valve job.

I just finished mine, cost:
Stones: $10
borrowed grinder
was given some sanding drums
valve job: $60

I have some pics here:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/87formula4bbl

I am currently making my own site, which will have a detailed description with pics of the process. I will post the link here when im done.

All in all, you can do it cheap, just think through it before you start, know what you want to accoomplish, gather your hardware, etc.