I am planning on having the dealer order and install a replacement head. He said even though it is new they send it to the machine shop for testing and to confirm alignment and determine valve clearance for proper gasket selection. Is this smart or crazy? Shouldn't a dealer replacement unit just bolt in?
Also I understand that one of the reasons these heads are so expensive is that they include a whole new valve train, is that correct?

Cannot speak to what they come with but individual heads do have to be measured for which of the 3 gaskets to use to provide proper head clearance although why a new head would not come with that appropriate gasket escapes me.

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BS....A new head does not need to be tested again, if it comes from the dealer it is already tested, just bolt on and reassemble.

OEM replacement heads are remanufactured, new ones are no longer available, they come fully assembled from Italy. Price quoted was under 900 dollars.

If your head isn't cracked it can be machined and a next size up gasket can be used.

Have your timing belt done too, they will be removing all the parts anyway.

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1982 Fiat 124 Spider Convertible. "Fiona"

Different head gaskets are for different piston height projections, very critical on a diesel.
You have the tolerance on the pistons, tolerance on the block, tolerance on the rods, and tolerance on the crank throws. Get all plus tolerances, you go with the thick gasket, all minus you go with the thinner gasket, something in between, you go with the middle thickness gasket.
Not Rocket Science.
If the dealer sent the head to a machine shop, perhaps the tech is suspicious and wants to be sure. Crap happens.

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