With about 3000 miles on the new heads, I have noisy valves. I pulled the front valve cover only to find the guides worn so badly, I could move the valve stem about 1/4 inch. Well, I'm not taking chances this time!

I brought the heads back to the machine shop to find out what happened. Although it was obvious something wore the guides, we (they) couldn't tell what it may have been. I had asked about an oiling problem, but they seemed to think that was not the case. I pulled the engine back out anyway, just to verify the timing cover or rear cover gasket did not split - everything looked good.

At no charge, Ball's Engine Machine Shop installed new bronze guides, thinking maybe the steel spiral cut guides didn't like the stainless valves. I bought a new set of intake and exhaust valves since the old valves had to be polished before reinstalling when the first valve job was done on these heads. The guy I bought these ported heads from said he had a problem with valve noise. When they went to Balls the first time the guides were pretty worn, but I figured it was a bad valve job. Hopefully (fingers crossed) this will be the last time the heads have to come off...

Here are some pics (with Harland Sharp rockers)

Here are the Comp Cams roller rockers on the car now (cell phone pics)...