[Walt Fricke]

Makes sense that the rocker pitting is at the heel, because that is where the spring is most compressed so the forces are greatest. Me, I'd send them off to CGarr in Michigan, but that may not be such a good option for you. He has rejected a couple of mine as being too pitted for sensible regrinding and use. Buying a couple of new ones ought not to break the bank if all the rest are OK.

Isn't the cam thrust washer beveled on one side? I think I recall doping out why - what it bears upon is narrower than the shim side. I suspect you can just put them back in the correct order and orientation. The key on reassembly is confirming chain wheel parallelism, which is the function of the washers.

I've not seen mention of cylinders chipping out like that, but I've no experience with the 964. Maybe it is common? The seal is the inner surface of the cylinder pressing against the head. The seal ring is there as insurance, but useful insurance - Porsche's experiment with the 3.2s with the seal omitted and the top of the cylinder beveled for more compression of the mating surface seems not to have worked as well as hoped, so it was back to the CE ring.

If no on chimes in on this cylinder business, e-mail Henry Schmidt or Steve Weiner, both of whom graciously contribute to this forum from time to time..