The heads are 452's. It's a .030" over stock-stroke 440. Pistons are TRW L2295's, but the domes have been milled, so maybe it's just 10:1 with .035" head gaskets (?). It runs on 93 octane. I run 1-5/8" headers because the engine is mild & I destroyed one set of Hooker 2" primaries & two sets of Heddman 2" primary headers bottoming out on potholes. I have 4" more ground clearance now.

Definitely only need good head flow numbers only to .500" lift since the cam isn't any bigger. Aluminum heads would be nice if I can afford them for the extra "forgiveness" to nitrous and pump gas... if I can afford them. However, it would be stupid of me to spend $2000 on heads that slow the car down or have no affect, right?

Will trick flows/edelbrock/rpm/etc heads do me any good at .500" lift vs. stock? Slow the car down? Are larger valves worth the money at .500" lift? I'm thinking my options are:
1. bone stock 452's
2. home ported 452's
3. home ported 452's + larger intake & exhaust valve
4. aftermarket head

Everyone would like to have some new aluminum heads, but whatever money I save on the heads goes towards a second stage of nitrous or some lighter rods/pistons or ? Honestly, I think $1500 ready-to-bolt-on is more my budget...and that's a stretch....just skip lunch for 6 months.