The machine shop I've used for decades is shutting down next month, so I decided it's time for him to freshen up the head on my 2.3. Pulled it off Saturday, and got it to him this morning. Called after he started tearing it down to get the news. "Why are you sending me junk heads?". Uh-oh, I've been down this road before. "what now" I ask. He starts reading the list.....
New cam and followers- worn and is grooving the followers
One lifter won't come out- New lifters, no big deal

BUT he says the valves and cam bearings look good, so "what do you want to do?". I figure as long as it needs a new cam I might as well step it up a little. "I HAVE to have this buttoned up and drivable by Wednesday morning, so what can you do cam-wise?". He tells me what my options are, so considering I just removed the header, I'll go up one step and go with the Comp Cams 252H. The specs say it's good from 1000-5000rpm, with more torque and better mileage. Should be a decent cam since I do mostly freeway and it's an automatic. And since the head and exh manifold were off, I replaced the starter.
I think I may be able to re-use the radiator cap.....

I'm not so concerned with zinc content with stock springs. I'll run some eos on startup and change at around 100 miles.