Stem seals or not?? Help please

[malcolm]

I'm posting a question I raised on someone else's thread as a separate topic here.

My car HAD stem seals, but after a head rebuild, came back without. I was told "don't need them thumping up and down if you do the head properly" I should say it was a reputable builder, which Angus Moss uses, so I have no reason as such to doubt this. But it does seem a standard to fit them - for example, Rob Beere fits them.
What are the views on this? And can seals be fitted after the event easily, or is it a major job?
Thanks!

[abowie]

We always fit them, and why wouldn't you?

Problem is to fit modern seals that actually work properly you need to cut a groove in the valve guide which in practice involves fitting new guides. So if this isn't done they don't fit.

[1954Etype]

Malcolm, who rebuilt your engine?

[malcolm]

I'll pm you Angus