Well, topics are drifting a little bit here, but I think I got what I need. To summarize a little bit:
Main point is yes, the 1.8i head fits properly on the 2002 block, coolant passages line up, etc, but the different shape of the combustion chamber leads to slightly lower compression than the E12, E21, and 121 heads, correct?
The distributor is not an issue because I am already running EDIS with Megasquirt, so I don't have a dizzy, yay!
Also, the benefit of having the injector ports in the head is that I wouldn't need a new throttle body, I'd just use my DCOE carb body (on the Lynx manifold, my current settup) as the throttle body, as opposed to getting a TWM throttle body for it and trying to run with just 2 injectors.
I was hoping that the fuel rail from the 318i would work, but if not then that is a snag to have to custom make a proper fuel rail.
And yes, it's a MM head, which is why I'm interested in it
Higher compression tii 'panio-top' pistons are also on my list for a not-to-distant upgrade.
I too always thought that tii had a different cam, but John_a kinda sounds like he knows what he is talking about. That's impressive though, if the KF and 9.5 pistons were all that were needed for a 30% boost in power!
Anyway, thanks for the input everyone!
-Carl