In replacing the head on an '83 944 I have the cylinder head gasket, the cam cover gasket, intake manifold gaskets, and the exhaust manifold gasket to replace, correct? Beside the gaskets, what should I use to make sure these all seal correctly? Any other tips, suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

None of the gaskets you mentioned require any sealant or goop on them. As far as tips, make sure you put your exhaust manifolds onto the head before you drop the head onto the block. I did new lifters when I did this job on my car - I got them pretty reasonably from Vertex. I also replaced every little seal I could find - all the seals in the cam box, for example. Don't let the Haynes scare you. Taking the cam box apart is easy if you get a 12-point XZN socket to take the bolt behind the distributor rotor out. I also did balance shaft seals, front main seal, re-sealed the oil pump with Loctite 574, and reassembled with new rollers and belts. Basically, if you're into it this far and have the head off, you might as well do this other stuff.

You should definitely update the seals in your oil cooler too. You have super easy access to it with the head off.

Good luch and say hi to REM for me.

Bryan