well, good chance that the head is not cracked. and as far as doing the whole engine, the bottom end is usually the most durable part. while the head is off you should prob do the cam chain, and giudes. also the valves are suspect and the guides and the springs.

on my 90 350 sdl we had to do all of the above. the head was not cracked or unduly warped. it was surfaced but not much.

by all means do a compression test first. they also can do some pressure testing with the head on the car, i believe.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.