Short version.

ECZ-G heads have to exhaust port sections that need to be pinned. (cracked) Machine shop says totally fixable, but thinks different heads would be preferrable.
I can't stomach having more heads cleaned to find out they're also bad. We're in it for $280 in cleaning already.

Machine shop has a set of ECZ-C heads built and ready to go for $950

I paid $150 for the ECZ-G heads empty, so we have to buy valves, springs, etc and have the seats done and milling, etc. I assume it'll be $700 at least for head work.

What would you do? We're not trying to just spend crazy money and just want fun and reliable.

The C heads are fine for a driver.

Thanks for the response. Went with the C heads, the machinist did some port work. IDK if it was worth it. But it's done. All told for parts and machine work their part cost $5500. Now I get to play engine assembler/installer.

ive never seen that kind of money spent on heads.

Although it's not clear, I think it's safe to assume that's the cost for parts & machine work for the entire engine, not just the heads. 

I hope so, but that’s (depending on all that was done) in the neighborhood for the Seattle area. If he’s really in NAPA, you’ve got to add the wine in for lunch, and then who knows………

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

When I had the machine work done on my 312 the cost made me think if I mess it up when I assemble it I could really waste some money so I just had him assemble it.

Sorry, got pulled away from all the fun by work stuff. :| 

So the total cost includes

1) Replacement heads with stronger valve springs
2) Port work on the heads and 4bbl ECZ-B intake
3) Camshaft sent out and reground to a T-Bird 312 profile - true up lifters
4) Replacement crankshaft as ours was damaged due to previous mechanic not tightening flywheel bolts - machined .010 under
5) Block work - bored .040 to get true, squared
6) Cleaning 2 sets of heads that ended up being cracked... fixable, but cracked.
7) Rebuild kit with pistons, etc
8) Check/recondition rods
9) Balance rotating assy.
10) Pertronix distributor and coil
11) Timing chain, oil pump, oil pump drive

Probably something I forgot. Plus I rounded up a little.

I feel like it was a LOT, but things do cost more in this stupid place.  I also trust this machinist, so I don't mind paying a premium.

Thanks all!

Oh, I should mention many of the still existing and in-use vineyard fans are 292's according to the machine shop. They have rebuilt many of them.

http://www.ford-y-block.com/ALUMINUM%20HEADS.htm $3050

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire