It's not quite as simple as cast the head to look like a factory head. One has to decide how detailed to be with the project. Several different casting differences. Just speaking about round port castings the 96 heads have completely different looking exhaust ports than the IV heads. 722 heads have different ends than 614 heads. 197 casting is completely different from a 7F6 head and the Super Duty castings are by themselves. This doesn't include the differences between the over the counter castings. You have more variations between d-port castings.
So far it's not looking good for the valve sizes and spacings being used current "shelf" pistons and the fonte of some casting numbers seem to vary from the originals. A lot of compromises need to be made to keep costs down and make them appealing to as many buyers as possible.
Some guys will have lower expectations and be happy with a core plug cast in the front, others don't want angled plugs and some are hopeful these will be able to pass inspection for the Pure Stock classes .... I'm just glad we have the option. I thought it was great when the aftermarket "double hump" Chevy heads were made. I've always preferred the stock look unless the engine makes "big power". I guess that's why my fast car has EHTTF for casting numbers
