Thanks for the replies, and special thanks to Rob (monte34) who had a spare head that was just right. It is very similar as far as finning goes-except for a few short fins of the LHS to clear a high pipe, and it has spot for an extra plug. I didn't measure the CCV, but the combustion chamber is clearly a little bigger and when fitted it brings the compression pressure back to something pretty normal. I guess it may knock a little bit of the edge off the performance, but it'll be worth it I'm sure.
And yes Montynut, when the piston was new the thing could only be pushstarted, and then in about third gear.
Anyway, all fixed now.
Cheers,
Martin