On a 350, the neoprene seal misses the knurling (at least on mine) if you use a flanged seal or only seat the seal flush with inside of cover. Might depend on seal brand too....
Did I ruin my heads? I started on the right side. I went a little too high on the ports and I think I took too much out of the wall between the 2 right side ports. Little nervous. I will be using the thicker Ta composite gaskets
Looks ok. Not too big, should be fine for your valves. The cleanup around valve guide and valve area is really where you gain .
I'm studying in the photos and have read through the article on Port Authority. I'm still just not 100% comfortable with working the valve area. But I did find some flashing cast chunks of metal that were attached to the side walls back in the valve area and I ground those out very easily...
I haven't touched exhaust bowls. How important is it? Port authority link the guy shortens the valve guide by like a half inch. Seems like alot. Is it essential to my build?
Yes, I would shorten as he says.it will increase area of flow. And obviously a 1/2 on material gone will flow more air. It’s looking good I use some of these. Also
does water flow between the 2 valves in the circled area? There was a ridge there like it was purposely left extra thick. I ground it out. I'm afraid I made it too thin. But the port authority link shows this area pretty hogged out as well.
I definitely cut into it a little. More than just smoothing it out...not sure if I took too much. I'll have the machine shop look it over.
