I kept having to re-torque the exhaust due to leaks, then one of the exhaust stud threads stripped out on cyl #1. I drilled it out and tried to tap it for 8mm Helicoil. The tap wouldn't grab well and now its looking like it would need to be re-drilled and tapped for a 10mm Helicoil and a step stud.

This happens to be the same bank where I have low compression in cylinder #2. It was 110 compared to 135 on all others (cold with other plugs in) I didn't know at the time you were supposed to do it with warm engine and plugs out. at the time. Well, you learn! At least I did.

So I'm thinking, I probably need some valve work on #2 and the Stud repair.
So, should I look for a good used head?
Should I have this one repaired? What should that cost, ballpark?
Should I get a new head?

I have looked around and the ones are pretty $$$ for me as are some used. The least expensive one i have seen is... http://vwparts.aircooled.net/CB-Performanc...b-044-heads.htm

Aside from least expensive, are they cheap? Any good? Wrong for the type 4. And could I get only one or is that just dumb?

I may be stationary for a while

Thanks,
Bob

That is not a Type 4 head.

What engine do you have?

John

It's a 2.0 out of a '76.

With a 2.0L I would look to getting it inspected & fixed.

Fix it with a helicoli and or step stud as needed.

The compression is not that bad that you need to do a valve job.

If you have to pull the one head to fix it you should pull the other and have them both refreshed. It is a good idea to replace the sodium exhaust valves which get brittle and can break.
Don't just do one head. You will have higher compression on that head than the other.