I am going to rebuild the heads for my 66 cutlass with a 330 in it and was wondering what everyones opinion is. Should I have the hardened seats put in or not?
Also I am in Colorado Springs, CO and was wondering if anyone knows of a good machinest that can rebuild the heads for me at a good price.

 

Since you are having the heads rebuilt have the hardened seats installed.

 

It depends on how you plan to use the car and how many miles you intend to drive it a year. For a weekend/summer toy, you won't need the hardened seats. For a daily driver that might get 15,000 miles a year or more, I'd put them in. Be sure to get the correct Oldsmobile seats, not the taller Chevy seats. Machining for the latter may cause you to hit a cooling passage.

 

WHAT is a good price?
Doing seats will run $120-$150.
Guides...$110-$150
Vat, mag, surface...and valve job$200-$300
You're going to have $450- $600 in them if you want a quality job done.
That number is without new valves, springs, or retainers.
Those are GOOD prices.
Don't skimp here.
It's a fact.
Jim