"You're fired" That means I'll have more time for toys, but no money.
OK I checked the gaskets. The bolt patterns are the same. Placing the early model gasket on the bench and laying the late model over it, then matching the bolt pattern as well as the exhaust ports. I could see the early intake ports protrude approximately 1/4 inch into the late intake ports. I used my calibrated eye to measure.
GT,
I think that unless you hapen to have a UK market head you have an early head with a late manifold. (As far as I know the only heads that had EGR were the US heads from 72 or 73 on) You definitely need to verify what you have before you try to run and tune the engine. Remove the intake and masure the distance between a pair of intake ports on the manifold. Then measure the distance between a pair of intake ports on the head. From what you describe I believe you will find there is a difference. Using a late model intake on an early model head blocks a significant amount of the port.
The late model head already has better flow. If you decide to increase the compression or clean up the ports. The late model head will respond better.
Take a look here for more detailed information
https://www.tr6.org/cylheads/index.html
The 219016 head discussed in the article is basically the same as the late model heads used for the US market. The US version has lower compression and an EGR fitting. Both of which can be "fixed" if you like.
BTW, I have a 74 TVR patiently waiting for me to either retire or get fired so I can begin the restoration. Back in the day I had a 71 TR6 and a 73 TVR. At one point I had both TVRs. I sold the TR6 to raise money for tuition. Sold the 73 TVR because I couldn't keep them both.
BOBH