10V head ID questions

[Fisher, Scott]

All,

I'm putting together an upgrade for my '83 CGT, doing the
naturally-aspirated route on my 2144cc I-5.  I've got a cam on the way and
have located a later manifold and downpipe, which I may end up installing
sooner rather than later as the car has recently developed a slight exhaust
leak.  (I've read Huw's site on that, so I know about the boss to cut away.)

But my '83 has the solid-lifter head, as I understand it; I'm getting a
hydraulic cam, in part because I figured on doing the head (at least a valve
job and possibly cleaning up the ports) before the swap, so it made sense to
get a used hydro head, do the work when convenient, and then swap it all
over at once (oh and why not do the timing belt while you're at it...).

So I'm open to suggestions on good 10V heads to build up -- whether in terms
of donor cars or in terms of suppliers.  I'm aware that at least some of the
2.3L engines mount the injectors in the manifold, not the head, and I don't
really feel like swapping out all the FI plumbing, wiring, etc.  I'm
consciously trading away an "ultimate" engine in exchange for simplicity,
overall cost, and reliability.

What years should I ask for when I shop the used parts places?  Is there a
particular year/part number I should look for, or just as important one I
should stay away from?  (Side question: is there an easy way to ID a
hydraulic head externally, without pulling the cam and popping out a lifter?
I'm picturing myself standing beside a pick-your-part hulk with no obvious
identifying marks showing what year it is, but able to read, say, a casting
number on the head...)  Anybody got any to sell inexpensively (understanding
that this is probably going to be an over-the-winter project)?
BTDT-oriented discussions on the actual effectiveness of "the usual"
performance mods (big valves, smoothing the ports, etc.) will be greatly
appreciated.

And of course, if I'm overlooking/forgetting something, please let me
know... while I've fiddled with heads (including light porting) before, this
will be the first time I've opened up the Audi, and this list has been
incredibly helpful so far.

Many thanks,

--Scott Fisher
  Tualatin, Oregon