[darefugee]

I found a set of #906 heads for my budget 383 project. They were on a 350 boat engine that I got for 200 bucks. The bottom end was compeltely trashed. When I pulled it apart I did not find one good bearing in the bottom. Some of the rods big ends have a dark stripe around the inside where they got hot. Does that mean they're ruined?

The top looked ok. I got the two heads along with a Volvo Penta aluminum manifold and what looks like a Rochester or Carter 4-bbl carb, it says GM on it. I'm hoping I can use that stuff but we'll see ...

But my other question for the field is the heads. When I took them to the machine shop the guy there told me that Vortec heads are prone to cracking, like he was preparing me for bad news a couple days from now. Well, I haven't heard or read anything about Vortec heads having a bad reputation for cracking. Any of you know about that?

[DoubleVision]

Vortec heads are light casted and when run hot they can indeed crack. It would be very wise to have them magnafluxed to check for cracks. As for the rods have your machine shop inspect them and have them reconditioned so they are back in round. I would also recommend having the rod bolts replaced with ARP units, it would also be wise to have them magnafluxed as well.
You would likely come out cheaper finding a set of good used rods as your rods reconditioned will run the bill up.