Great article. Thanks for the info, I think I finally have a plan to follow. It's always tricky getting money out of my wife but that's good because otherwise I'd be broke. I currently have a 1948 Plymouth that I'm going to sell but it needs a new carburator. So, my wife agreed that I need to buy a new one and put it on my ElmCamino swapping its carburator to the Plymouth. I've also convinced her that if I'm going to all that work that I might as well get a new performer rpm manifold at the same time (per your earlier recommendation).
With the current info you offered I like the idea of going with the vortec heads. In doing an internet search I found a new pair for $680 from Machine Shop Pros who say they have been in business for 40 years and offer a 7 year warranty. The heads come with new guides, new stem seals and 3 way valve job. I know that they would still need some work to meet all of your recommendations but I was wondering if you think this is a fair price and would get me going in the right direction. Have you ever heard of them? Their web site, machineshoppros.com, doesn't address the vortec heads but there is a pretty good description in the eBay ad. Again, I do appreciate all the info you gave me and would value your opinion on this. At this time I will go ahead and buy the carb but wait in the manifold until I get heads.