Does anybody have some good links for ideas on what size valves to put in my big block 215 closed chamber heads. I sold my sbc 400 this week so now I have the money to take these heads to my machinist to have him do new guides, valves and put in hardened exhaust valve seats. I can do stock on the exhaust since they will have new seats, but is that what's best? I would just do bigger valves but then I need to unshroud the chamber walls and that would drop my 9.5 compression some? Besides does my .030 over 396 even need bigger vavles? I heard somewhere that you can get valves that are just a little bigger than stock so that the valves aren't sunk after a valve job????

BTW
.03 over 396, 215 closed chamber heads ported and polished, about 9.5 cr, forged TRWs, SPS rod bolts, forged crank, 2 bolt mains, Edelbrock RPM intake, holley 750 VacSec, muncie 4spd, 4.10 12 bolt posi, all polygraphite bushings front and back except for rear upper adjustable, all steel street 68 chevelle. I just want a max street performance car. Vacuum and low maintence are a nice bonus, but they really don't concern me a bunch. I will also do a different cam, maybe the voodoo 268/276

Do a search on the subject, there have been many discussions.

Only do the larger valves if you also plan to have the bowl area worked on, as well as the unshrouding work done. The unshrouding will not drop your CR by more than .1 assuming you aren't goin' to town with the grinder.

If your stock valves are fine, keep them.
Just get the hardened exhaust seats and order some new valve springs. A head shop will be glad to select the springs for you if you provide the camshaft info.

If your stock valves are mostly bad/worn, then upgrading is the only option here.

Based on your combo, I think you will be happy with the near stock setup. Keep in mind that cutting metal introduces risk. knowing a reputable person to do the work is VERY crucial! Is the extra 20HP at the seat of your pants worth that? If you had plans to really upgrade the performance with asperation of running low 12s, then I say go for the upgrade now.

Thanks for the advice on valves. I found a post about using a sbc 2.12" valve rather then going clear to a 2.19"? That way the valve isn't sunk and I don't have to do as much unshrouding. Anyone else ever heard of that?

I'd go 2.19/1.88's and never look back, then the heads will be done when you go 454, you'll never have to think, woulda,coulda,shoulda !!!