So, I stared at the head for a while. Now that the chrome coverettes are in the dumpster, I started to wonder if the finning on the left side of the head was helping or hindering the cooling.
On the one hand, more area/more fins seems like a good thing. On the other hand, the heat path is rather long and not brilliantly connected. So, maybe the outer part is actually hindering heat loss because it blocks cooling area to the spark plug seat, and slows down heat rising from the left horizontal fins.
Well, since I have this very dead head, it seemed like a good plan to grab the 4 1/2" angle grinder, a few Zip Cut wheels, a sanding pad and go at it.
This is what would be the first step if I did the deed on a real head.
While I was poking around, I saw lots of casting flashings that could be cleaned up to improve airflow.
-Armen