[ursus]

Per nkaminar in Post #8, I laid down oiled pieces of green Plastgauge at 14 points around the top of the block and torqued down the head (without gasket) to 20 ft/lbs. All points of contact were measured at <0.002 inches, mostly 0.0015 inches or less. This is with a 5.5/1 head sourced directly from Snyder's about 10-12 years ago. I am using a FelPro 7014-R1 gasket, which is of steel/asbestos composition, purchased at the same time, and not mentioned much by anybody on here.

I did a deep dive into the FB archives regarding the use of gasket sealer copper spray, Indian Head Shellac, silver spray paint, grease, nothing-at-all, etc. and it was like reading the endless debates about which oil to use - every goop has its adherents. It's so confusing.