Going to have the heads done on the Bird pretty soon (already pulled them) and was wondering what the real benefit of stainless steel versus standard replacements is?

The engine is in a '56 T-Bird:

312 c.i., "G" heads, Edelbrock 573/3-94's, Mild cam, Dual-point distributor, tube headers. Not a race car, just want a spirited, reliable driver...

Anyone care to share opinions/experience?

There can be issues if stainless valves are used in iron guides. The abrasiveness of the iron can wearl the chrome away. I prefer bronze guideliners to cast iron guides. Some people give the liners a bad rap but if they are properly installed they are the best guide in my opinion. They will outlast an iron guide and are more dimensionally stable than a thick wall (.500" O.D.) bronze guide.

I recommend hard seats for the exhaust valves unless it is a race car running on leaded fuel.

That's my opinion and I'm stickin to it.

I am really leaning towards stainless valves, and have talked with Tim about it as I plan on having him take care of the heads for me. I agree that hard seats are a must...

Admittedly, cost is a factor but certainly balanced with longevity. This 'Bird will likely get around 2,500 miles a year for occasional pleasure and weekend driving, so I want to do this and not think twice about some aspect that I cut corners on simply to save a few bucks...because a few bucks=a fart in a whirlwind in the grand scheme of things...

While the Pakistani valves are really just a point of conversation, I would be curious to get your input on them if you've had any experience, 1st or 2nd hand...

Again, thanks for the input...