Just got my order from Rock auto and am excited to try GD's post apocalyptic machine shop techniques to mill my heads this time around since I had a gasket blow after only 24k miles since I did this last time without milling the heads.

However one of the gaskets they sent me is pretty mashed in one of the corners, would you guys use it? I should probably just be patient and wait for a replacement because I'd really hate to do all this work and then have to take it all apart again. 

Edited December 13, 20187 yr by Brianmitchtay

I would use it... but would have gone with factory head gaskets & intake. Here's my experience as I aligned to compare old with new there is a tab that wraps around where the fel-pro failed and allowed exhaust to escape into the cooling system.

Keeps us posted on how goes some of us like to help

 

I have used non genuine head gaskets in one or two EA82 and no problems at all with their service. What I do find is every genuine HG I have used, the retension after start, op temp then cool down.... absolutely no extra torque was needed , whereas aftermarket took some varying amounts of extra torque to get to spec. Wait for damaged gasket to be replaced ...if only for me. I have copped a few damaged gaskets from the US. Such a PITA !!

Edited December 13, 20187 yr by Steptoe

The damage I see is between the crank case oil return and outside.  I have used Fel pro perma tourque headgaskets a fee tines with no problems.  Only use oem intake gaskets, and the reinforced o rings for the oil supply to the cam towers.

I was sure I'd say "no" when i saw the title but the passage adjacent to that is not under pressure, it's just benign drain back. and the gasket has plenty of distance between the edge and that passage.  if you have issues i highly doubt it'll be there.  compare distance between the fire ring, 1,000 degree high compression cylinders to that area and it looks benign.