Well, I mentioned my bad experience with a set of aftermarket heads (which I will elaborate on). It turns out the vendor isn't any better quality than their products

First, let's have some show and tell. Here's one of the aftermarket heads next to a somewhat rusty GM head:










I threw them on a scale to see if there really is more metal in the aftermarket casting. First the GM head:



Now the aftermarket casting:




The aftermarket casting is 5lbs heavier than the GM head (I sat 4 precups on top of the GM head since it doesn't have any installed). However, a close examination reveals that all the extra mass is on the exterior of the casting. The deck is approximately the same thickness as the GM head, as are the internal passage walls.

The valve job isn't too bad either:



One intake seat is scratched, and would need to be touched with a seat stone to clean it up. You can alse see the induction hardening discoloration around the ports in that pic.

(cont)