So I just put a new head on the block and adjusted the valves. Got it at TDC at the crank and the cam shaft. Tensioned the belt fine so no slack.
Problem: When I turn the motor by hand the valves are touching piston. What else could be making a metallic click noise when hand cranking?
Solution: It's either bent valves, or a 180 out problem at the crank to the top half of the motor?
Do bent valves make a click when hand cranking?
How could something be so off that the valves are touching piston?
My adjustment is at .004 and .007. After the adjustment however, same problem. Originally the rocker arms had to be adjusted anyway which is what I always do whenever removing them from the head unit.
Swap a head or take belt off and rotate crank 180? How do I fix this?
Thanks for reading.

 

if its at tdc then its at tdc, stop second guessing yourself, it's likely compression noise through the opening and closing of the valves

remember the crank turns twice for each cam turn

 

I was really beginning to think I must be losing it, it's been quite a while since the last time I replaced a head gasket and listened or "felt" for obstruction, which is more important than the sound of the motor turning, I assume.
There were no obstructions, in fact it feels healthy on the crank turns.
Thank you for the reply.
Bolting it back together this week and I'll post the results. 98' b20b high comp with all bolt ons and obd1 intake mani.
Cheers.