Head opinions
But, cams also determine where you make power, etc. Good heads make power on the entire RPM range. To me, the costs of gaskets and fluids to change the heads will run half the cost of the upgrade, so I'd pay the $400 and not leave anything on the table, but that's me. Say it's a difference of "only" 20 horsepower, that's $20/hp.
You could make 460+ whp with that 224r if you went with the best heads(arguably MMS) and a ported fast. The car would drive exceptional and make power everywhere. If you jumped up to a 227/231 you could make another 5-10whp and not lose much if any driveability. After that you start sacraficing driveability for peak power.
Point is, if you can afford the better heads then get the better heads!! Bang for the buck, the PRC 225's look solid with the hollow stem valve option. No budget, MMS 220's.






