a few of you may have followed my project.

I'm using a 99 z440 crankcase and 99 crank with 96 z440 cylinders and pistons. Run into a problem, the 99 crankcase uses 10mm studs, the 96 used 8mm, cylinders and heads would not go over studs. Ok, no problem, I drilled out the cylinder and heads to allow for clearance of the 10mm studs. Next problem

The 2 alignment pins in each head will no longer go over the 10mm studs, can I simply not use alignment pins in the heads? Actually this is the first engine I've ever seen with alignment pins, frankly I don't see the need for them but I am no expert. Opinions please.......

did a little research
the 95 z440 uses the same heads, same head gaskets and same cylinders and yet no dowel alignment pins. Wonder if the pins are just to make sure the head gasket gets set on the head problerly around the raised lip on the head, i.e., the i.d of the head gasket needs to go around the o.d. of the small raised area on the head right outside of the combustion chamber??? If so I could do this without them.

anyone?