My shop says there's a few small cracks in between the valves and say it still may be usable? if it pressure tests ok. is this true? I,m thinking you cant get these new anymore? I,ve inquired on some sights that show they use to sell them [1.6 16v heads] new. 0 responses back.

I had a similar situation on a 2.2 GM engine several years ago.  I had a cracked head that I robbed the valves out of to rebuild another head.  The machinist told me I should have just used the cracked head because it was in in overall better shape than the head I was building.  He said that some of those between the valve cracks are a dry crack, and it will not cause issues.  If your machinist will stand behind it, roll with it.

I can get you a new head complete or bare, what kind of budget are you working with? As in what do you think is reasonable to buy a new head for? I think about 400 to 500 should get you one