I was just wondering if shaving the head a few thousandths is worth the time and money.
Any input is appreciated.
Lifes too short to drink cheap beer.
Surfacing the head alone wont do a whole lot. If it is combined with a mild P&P, a roller rocker conversion and a Cometic 0.030" MLS head gasket, the increase in compression and better head flow will net a decent gain. Be careful you don't go too far with the surfacing and HG, the stock rocker arms are non-adjustable and if you take away too much compression hight you could take up too much lifter lash and damage your lifters and possibly other valve train components.
how much is a safe limit to have removed? And has anyone done this on a 2200 already?
Lifes too short to drink cheap beer.
You only have about .015"-.020" before you need adjustable rockers and anything more than about .040"-.045" before you need custom length push rods.
Always verify the rocker tip location and travel to make sure the rocker sits correctly on the valve stem. The rocker tip should be just a few thousandths from the center of the valve stem, towards the rocker side of the stem. As you rotate the engine the rocker tip should travel past the center of the valve stem and back again. By max lift, the tip should be back to the same side of the stem as you began.
Any set up other than this, you will need custom push rods. Take it to a machine shop and have them measure it for you, unless you have or know some one who has , a push rod legnth checker (the same on as a Small Block Chevy) or an adjustable legnth checking push rod.