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Not a problem, just let me know at the time.
I have most bits around, just ask.

I have stripped and cleaned the head and I'm really suprised at how badly cast it is!!
The inlet and exhaust ports have massive casting lines in them.

Before I get grinding.... does anyone else know if a) this was normal on a Magnum and b) would I get any noticeable benefit from it??

The casting quality was not great and yes a cleanup will benefit performance.
Just don't leave the inlets smooth, a rough surface improves turbulence and swirl.

Thanks for that - Dremmel and porting files it is then.
I might even get the engine back together for Easter, if the weather ever improves!

Started to clean out the ports.
I matched the new inlet and exhaust gaskets to the head and dressed the lip line of the ports to within 2mm.
Removed the casting lumps from the ports and spot-faced the bolt holes as far as possible.
Although it looks like it has black or brown marks in the pictures these are only reflections - it's all a dull grey really.

This rebuild is not going as fast as I would like !!
With hidsight, working in my front garden, in the coldest March on record was not my cleverest decision..

However the decoke is done and the rebuild can wait until the end of this Ice-Age.