I plan to rebuilt my 390 the right way, but I also have this 360 that I had a blown head gasket so I got the heads off and plan to just put them back on without any other engine work.

For standard head gaskets do you guys usually use gasket sealer, like the copper colored stuff, or do you just let the gasket seal it?

 

DO NOT use a sealer of any kind. I would recommend using the regular felpro gasket. Make sure the deck surface and the bottom of the head are perfectly clean and free of all the old gasket material. There is that gasket remover spray that works pretty well on the stubborn stuff. It's a good thing you took the time to ask this question. I once knew a guy who coated his whole set of head gaskets in Blue RTV. The truck made it for 2 whole weeks. I was extremely impressed.

 

Thanks,
I had the question because of a comment I heard DF make one time. He was suggesting to get the pistons on my 390 totally topped out with the top of the block I may use the .020 thick metal gaskets, but then I should use gasket sealer.
This implied that with regular felpro gaskets .041 thick that no sealer should be used. Thanks I will plan to use the felpro and NO sealer.

By the way Ratsmoke, congratulations on your new build-up. You have a similar build up to what I am planning, although I am doing it slowly. I told my wife plan to see the truck setting there for six months.

Hows the break in going so far?

 

The break-in is going great. Had it up to 5 grand so far and it just keeps pulling harder and harder until it shifts. It shifts out by itself at 5 grand and I can't hold it in first because the shifter locks up in the column for some reason when I throw it in first and punch it. It has done that ever since I have owned the truck. I plan on getting the B&M shifter soon. I'm afraid to hold it in second to over 5 grand because that's just too dang fast. Anybody's shifter do the same thing? I've asked before but we have some new people. My buddy has a 70 model too and his does.