I just got my Patriot Head in for my 2200 and will be doing that install whenever Howell Automotive feels like @!#$ sending me my damn roller rockers... But anyways.
I have a couple things I want to get for when the head is off like Headstuds and a new head gasket and new pushrods, but is there anything else i should consider getting? Also, im gonna put some oil over the valvetrain of the new head and let it soak till i install it, sound good? should i do any other prep work for that? Another thing, its to my brief understanding that adding a thicker head gasket does something to compression? Is that good, bad, any info there is appreciated. Another thing, since im replacing push rods, can i replace my lifters w/o getting into the bottom end? i would think not but...
Thanks a bunch, and to Hypsy and ill get picks of the head and during install soon!

The studs, gasket and pushrods are all good ideas. As for the head gasket, look into the Cometic Multi-Layer Steel gasket. The surface finish on the head should be good, but make sure the surface on the block is absolutely clean and true.

As for the valve train parts, clean them with a good solvent (carb cleaner will work), because the come from the manufacturer with a protective coating that doesn't mesh too well with the oil. You don't need to soak the parts in oil, just prime the oiling system well. You can do this by pulling the oil pump drive gear and taking a oil pump drive shaft from a 60 deg V6 and inserting it into the oil pump and spinning it with an electric drill. This won't be possible if the motor is in the car, so just take an oil can and squirt some oil in the pushrods and coat the rocker arm bearings with oil, along with a little oil over the valve springs. Also, get some molly assembly lube and put it on the tips of the pushrods before you install them, this reduces the wear on initial start up.

A thicker head gasket would reduce the compression ratio(CR), while a thinner gasket will raise the CR. If you're going to boost then use a thicker gasket, if you're going N/A, then go thinner.

With the head off, you can replace the lifters, just remove the plastic retainer, in the lifter valley (close to the firewall) and pull the old lifters out (a lifter pulling tool would help immensely, if not a dental pick can do it, though more difficultly) and drop the new lifters in, orientated correctly. When reinstalling the lifter guide, make sure the lifters seat properly, i.e., the flats line up. Once again, don't soak the lifters, just clean them and after they are installed, use the oil can to squirt plenty of oil on them, down the pushrod hole (you can put oil on the roller bearing on the bottom before installation).

Get some pics of the intake and exhaust ports and the combustion chamber before you install the head. I want to see their work. Also get some pics of the assembled valve train before you put the valve cover back on, so we can see how it all fits.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.