Opinion on my head - 9a

So the head on my 16v popped back in October, for no apparent reason, and I have just got round to dismantling it, cleaning up all the grime (fun!) and getting it ready to have the breach alloy welded.

The damage -



Im wondering about peoples opinion on the head as I have found a few cracks on the walls between the exhaust ports and where the plugs screw in.
Here are some pictures -





Now a couple of these cracks span the entire thread of where the plug sits, as you can see in the picture.

I also found these gouges in the intake ports…







As the head was off I thought I would give it a complete once over and get all the deposits off. Also renew any internals.
Now, with the cracks, and the gouges in the intake ports, is it worth me bothering? Or should I be on the look out for another head? I'm worried that if I spend hours reconditioning this head it may die due to the cracks and/or wont perform accordingly.

Really want to get it back on the road. Like my trusty old cabby im driving at the moment…but the 16v gti is more fun

What do you think would be the best option? Keep the head and get it fixed up, or start over on another?

A 9a head is just a kr head isn't it?  with the amount of those about personally I would source another head for peace of mind if nothing else.

I'd say get a new one for peace of mind too.

found one on ebay might save you a lot of work

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-1-8-16V-KR-CYLINDERHEAD-USED-DONE-85K-UPRATE-YOUR-CORRADO-9A-/111045844247?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19dad91d17

Yep I'd agree, not worth the risk, esp. at the price of that head