My Mopar Big Block Performance book has builds in it. Ported stock heads with 2.14 int/ 1.81" exh. Valves on a 440 with the old 509 mopar camshaft pushes an A body into the 11s. And high 400s<500hp range. I would use a newer cam and make more HP WITH More TQ.
How much does it cost to have the heads done, porting / bigger valves?? I never had heads done, but wonder if it's easier/cheaper ( in the long run) to get aluminum aftermarket heads. I like the idea of loosing 50lbs+ off the front end.