Those would be the dowel pins or guide pins.

When I look up the head gaskets at Napa or Advance auto they list two. One is an actual head gasket and the other is a head gasket spacer shim

Felpro Head Gasket Spacer Shim
Part No. 8554 SP

Felpro Head Gasket
Part No. 8554 PT

Felpro Cylinder Head Alignment Dowel Pin
Part No. ES 74007

Now I know what the dowels pins are used for

Question is? When I pull the cylinder head to repair the exhaust manifold bolts and all that fun jazz...what is the purpose behind the spacer shim--and is it always used, and if so--How? (I've worked on newer engine heads in the past, never one that used a spacer shim)

Just trying to save a buck where possible. If I do not need the part, it's not going to get replaced. Or is this the case of not knowing if a spacer is used until I rip it apart?

Best Regards-

S-