Looking for new heads. Came up with many options. Which is best?

[4flyer]

Hey guys! Awhile back, I was troubleshooting an issue with my engine, Lo and behold, I have a crack in my head at the #3 cylinder, surprise surprise.

In the process of looking at heads to replace it. Seems like there are several great options but I don't know what road to go down, especially knowing what the best bang/buck option.

What I have found:

Cylinder Heads International - $450
Clearwater Cylinder Head - $795
Yota1 - $1750 (out of stock)
Summit (VEGE Brand) - $930.99
ITM (from Oreilly's) - $1074.79
Allied Motor Parts (looks good but I have not heard of others using them) - $575
Junk Yard - ~$200 plus testing and risk


Thoughts? I have never done a job like this before so I want to get quality parts but not do the crazy expensive Yota1 option as this rig is no longer my daily.

Thanks!

 

[NachesPass4x4]

I would go with a used OEM head, checked by a machine shop, all day over part store heads. If it needs work you can see that quality parts are used and the shop should guarantee their work. Otherwise I would be looking at shops that specialize in these engines like Yota1.

 

[BuffaloBass]

Check with a known good auto machine shop as whatever you buy, you want someone to disassemble and check and maybe redo the valve job. See if they can source one for you.

THis applies to $2000+ AFR BBC race heads, so it will DEFINTELY apply to production heads.