#1 is closest to the stern on the starboard side. #2 is closest to the stern on the port side.

I encourage you to read my thread (https://forum.supraboats.com/showthr...ion-in-5-and-7), the job is a lot of work, but definitely do able. I believe we have nearly identical engines except the intake manifold and MEFI (Mine is MEFI 5). I bought FEL-PRO 17232 which includes the vortec head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, and distributor gasket (along with some other stuff for the intake manifold, but were not applicable to mine). Summit carries this for $125.

There can (and will) be a lot of speculation. You can perform a leak down test if you have the equipment, but you will get a lot of information from pulling the bad head and having it analyzed. Does it have a heat exchanger or was it running saltwater through the motor?

As for the ticking, it seems to me that if the ticking was only occurring while in gear the ticking would not be coming from the engine but from the trans or v drive. Your valves are moving whether you are in gear or not, so if the cause was a blown gasket and pressure moving from what cylinder to the other it would occur in neutral as well. You can buy a mechanics stethoscope for under $10 and listen to the trans and v drive as someone drives.