the difference heads small block

If you are going to buy a fresh factory head with 1.88 or 2.02 valves, the 2.02 head will flow better. If you have a good 1.88 head and someone who knows what they are doing, putting in a 2.02 with proper throat and bowl work will way out perform a 2.02 from the factory whether ported or not.

We have a winner... give that man a prize.

Give me a 1.88 head and do a good job cutting/blending in a 2.02 valve and you have better head than any factory 2.02 x/j piece.