Do I need to apply any sort of sealer to the block or head before setting down the new gaskets? I've looked online, but find no mention of using anything like that and the gaskets I ordered didn't come with any instructions or procedures.

 

The gaskets come with the sealant already on them, no need to use anything else.

If you went with OEM gaskets (recommended) the blue stuff is the sealant. The black aftermarket gaskets have sealant on the entire surface (black).

 

I went with the Black Diamond brand from littlepowershop. So I'll skip the copper spray.

 

Best of luck with those. I hear of a lot fewer repeat headgasket jobs using the OEM gaskets.

 

Really? I heard the exact opposite from littlepowershop.com. For $100 (or thereabouts) I get the OEMs and sell the others on ebay. I didn't realize they didn't have a good rep when I ordered them.

 

Yeah, the OEM gaskets have a much better reputation, but they are more expensive because you cannot buy them without the stock head bolts. Definitely go with ARP studs with the new gaskets and make sure your heads are flat.