I bought the head gasket kit from Atlantic British and it came with lots of stuff that I did not see removing the rocker covers and intake. Does anyone know exactly what the kit includes. For example I have 16 Blue seals with springs around the small hole, 16 orings, 8 large rubber spacers, 8 small rubber spacers, 2 large and 2 small orings, 3 copper crush washers and 2 small shaped orings. I haven't seen any of this so far on the tear down. I won't be able to tackle the head removal until tomorrow.

Any tips on cleaning the heads to remove the varnish on a budget?

 

First, buy the complete head gasket set from Atlantic British, buy there new head bolts and a t/stat. There will be some gaskets in the there you won't need that are for rebuilding the heads.
Consider doing an ATF flush to clean some of the crap from the engine.
Have someone inspect the heads for warpage, fix as necessary and make sure you have all the bolt torque and sequence information or you'll be doing it over.

 

I did get the complete kit with new thermostat, hoses and v belt. I printed everything off of RAVE and put in a binder so I could have the info with me in the garage. I have all the tools for the job and I will post my experience and any tips I learn when finished. Stay tuned.

Thanks!

 

Most of those little parts are to rebuild the cylinder heads, you don't need to do that (unless you have major issues with your valves and what not). Take your heads to a machine shop and have them glass beaded and planed.