[Dougie]

For my 327 build I picked up a set of 416 heads that are in excellent condition, and weren't used very long on a 350 before they replaced by Dart heads. They have new bronze valve guides and the valve seats are excellent. The head gasket surfaces looks excellent with one exception. On one of the heads, there is a very small imperfection that is directly on the mark left by the previous head gasket on the circumference of one of the bores. It is on the outside, not between clyinders. I can't tell if it was there when the head was installed, or if it happened after it was removed, but there is no evidence of leakage on the head surface. It is about 1/8" wide x 5/32" long and is two or three little depressions, kind of like rows (low spots between the rows). The low spots can't be more than .002" deep, maybe less. I sprayed some red primer on the mark and scraped it off with a razor blade and barely any primer was left visible.

So my question is should I be concerned about this causing a sealing problem? I don't really want to get them surfaced because I am already pushing the compression with these 58cc heads. (Will be about 10.4:1) Should I use Permatex Copper spray on the gasket? I know this sounds ghetto, but what about a little JB Weld to fill it scraped off by a razor blade before it sets? The JB Weld is rated for 500 degrees, the same as the Permatex Copper spray and it will be directly under the seal on the head gasket, not inside the combustion chamber. Any specific gasket recomendations would also be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[Dougie]

Looks like I'm replyig to my own thread, but I had another thought. My block is .40 over. The old gasket was 4.166" diameter. If I bought the new gaskets in a 4.060 (Summit Mr Gasket 3130G) this would move it in enough to get the imperfection outside of the sealing ring. Does that make sense?

[TroyBoy]

If it was me,I wouldn't worry about it. I've probably done worse in my younger days What kind of gasket are you planning on using? I wouldn't put anything on any kind of head gasket except for the steel shim type. JMHO.

[Dougie]

If I use a steel shim (.015) I'm going to have a static C/R of about 10.4:1. If I use a composite type (.040) I'll have about 9.75:1. I want to use an L79 cam. Any thoughts?

[TroyBoy]

If it was me,I would use the composite gasket to get the 9.75 comp. It will be a lil easier to drive and avoid spark knock. I can't remember the specs for an L79 cam for some reason. Is there a reason for using the old style cam?

[TroyBoy]

Just found the cam specs,lol. Unless the cam was free or you just like the sound of it , I would get a newer technology cam. A friend several years ago had one in his Malibu,sounded and run sweet. This was about 20 years ago.

[Dougie]

I'd use the modern version of the L79. I'm kind of doing an old school thing with it. Not totally decided yet though. I filled out the cam recommendation sheet on Comp Cams webiste and sent it in, so I'll see what they recommend.

[TroyBoy]

Cool beans. Its your car and you can build it however you want It has to make you and only you happy. Like I said before, I wouldn't worry about the scratch.The gasket you asked about sounds alright also.