Which head gaskets?

[olds307 and 403]

I am finally getting back my 358 short block tomorrow, a year and a month. I have 4 different sets to choose from. I am planning on using iron #6 heads and my Performer cam. One head is 62CC, the other 64cc, previous owner knicked a deck in storage and got one cleaned, why there is a variation, wanting 66 to 68cc for under 9.5 to 1 compression. Heads were fully rebuilt with upgrades, better springs, 2.07" intake valves, bowls opened and positive seals with maybe 5000 km. The block is very close to 0 deck, .016" was removed to square it with a 4.100" bore 10cc Mahle forged pistons, Molnar rods and 330 crank. I have Mr.Gasket MLS .040" in a 4.100" bore but I plan on keeping them for a possible aluminum head swap. Or are they OK with used but previously milled iron heads? I have 3 other sets, Mr.Gasket Ultraseal .045" that mentions painting the metal side with two coats of aluminum paint. The other sets are .042" Felpro Blue and .040" Mahle regular head gaskets. I am learning towards the Mr.Gasket. 045" so I will have to polish the chambers less. Just strange that one side is all metal, anyone use them?

Edit Quote

 

[64nailhead]

If the block deck and head surface are good, then it’s hard to beat an MLS.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Yeah, I agree. But the the head surface isn't perfect, has run time and won't be milled again, already too small of CC. Plus no more machine work for a while, $2270 to fix my boo boos, the other machine shops and assemble it!

 

[bracketchev1221]

I haven't found the need to go beyond the Fel Pro blue gaskets. We used them at the machine shop on many questionable engines. I ran the fel pro 1057 gaskets on my 15:1 565 so they work. I have the 1017-1 gaskets for my 496 for the Chevelle.