It was running just fine until the headgasket gave way.

Thats why I dont see why it should be so bad. I think the quote included rocker arms, camshaft, and something about seats being reground, maybe valve guides.

Quote Originally Posted by JonE
Boy for $1200 I'd expect new guides, valves, springs, keepers, seats reground, head planed and everything, maybe even ported and polished! Maybe you could just have it planed and see how it works out. Was it running good before?