If you go w/ the cometics definitely use the hylomar coating on them, some guys I know locally even take the rivets out and coat every layer of the gasket on both sides. That may be taking it too far. I spray my copper gaskets w/ it every time.
Thanks for the information, I think this is probably the way to go. I like the idea of the MLS gasket, and I can buy a spray bottle of Hylomar..........I just don't want to have to take the heads off again.............
I've used both the VR and Cometic MLS gaskets(mostly on Chevy stuff) and typically prefer the Cometics, especially since I can spec them to almost whatever I want. But..IIRC.. the VR's has a better sealing bands around the various water ports which may be what you're looking for. As for the Hylomar.. I've used it on machined flanges/gasketless parts for years(since it came out) and it's really great stuff. Not sure about using it between the MLS shims though.. as that may cause false torque readings and inevitably lead to the need for re-torque a bit later to keep from lifting the head and/or scrubbing issues. On the other hand.. if other reputable folks are doing just that.. then I can only assume that there would be some chance of success. Even still.. I'd probably strictly localize it to around the water openings only while keeping the coating as thin as possible.
I'm not so much worried about the oil/water passages (although on a MLS I would spray/dab Hylomar around them.................my concern is with the fire ring. When I took the Fel-Pro perma seal off the water and oil passages looked ok, but the fire ring was kind of scorched.......not a lot, but then the motor only 12/13 dyno pulls..........break-in the trans......and the short burnout on it............................couldn't get any .080 long intakes so had to settle for 0.100...............now need to do some work on them and get the heads back on next week.
my brother uses the cometics, he has torn down his nhra stocker over and over again and just sprays the gasket with copper spray, he doesnt take the rivets out, I have a set i used also and have used them acouple times, I would get the cometics, and I dont think its necessary to take the rivets out. in fact Ive never heard of that until the post on this topic, and havent heard any failures with these Duane
I'd like to say thanks for all who replied. I will go with the Cometic and spray the Hylomar before I put the heads back on. It's just such a pain to try and get the heads off this motor with the studs still on. Really, it's easier to pull the motor than just the heads.........maybe I'll have the motor pulling down to a science like Russ did with LS motor in his Maverick....................practice makes perfect.
