All, so the head gasket is gone. Mayonnaise in the rocker cover and the water level is dropping. I will do a compression test as a recheck but if there is anything else I should do, please say.
Questions:
Do I try and lift the head and slide a new gasket in, or strip it all off and do it properly?
Composite or copper gasket?
The head is original and not hardened but hasn’t ever missed a beat and has had additive in (owned since the days of 4*). Do I take the opportunity to send it to Turners for hardened valve seats etc I could do without spending the money and it only does 2-3,000 miles a year. Currently 90,000 on the clock.
Lastly, I know there are issues with the studs for the manifolds. Any suggestions for stud removal? I don’t have a heat option.

Any obvious pitfalls, do say. I have been spraying the head bolts with penetrating oil when passing. Hope it helps.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Head off, I remove as much as I can, makes lifting the thing easier. New gaskets all round. Composite gasket.
Up to you on turners heads, I fitted the head from a 2.5 on mine.

Assume exhaust studs are poor, if inexpensive, get anyway.

There is no sliding any thing in. Head off, clean the surfaces of block and head, composite gasket. Follow correct torque down method. Head can be remove with manifolds on but more weight. Plumbers blow lamp is a good small heat source. Some good videos on the you tube