I did consider that, however after doing some research and asking some of my coworkers that have more experience than me I've decided I don't want to risk it the head bolts are torque to yield, with the sequence being 10nm 30nm then 90 degrees, and 90 degrees again.

I really dont want to risk them snapping, or not holding the head on tight enough. the gaskets are designed so that once they've been crushed that is how they seal, and by undoing the clamping on the gasket you risk them not sealing correctly. the bolts and gaskets are cheap enough and far enough in that I really don't want to take the risk. the really expensive bit that I'll be waiting for is new guides, and I'm really only wanting to replace those because I don't know how this engine was treated before and they have some small cracks, if I hadnt forgotten them in the first place I probably wouldn't be, but since I have it all apart anyway I figure I might as well do what I can, so that I don't have to later on