Shim head gaskets and head milling questions

[Rayzor]

So I am rebuilding the 440 heads (452's) with new guides and valve grind etc. I plan on using a set of shim head gaskets I already have. Do I need to use the spray copper coat on those gaskets or can the brush on stuff get it done. Also do I let it get tacky before install or just stab them on dripping? Also, I would like to have the heads milled down a bit to give a small bump in compression and better gasket seal. Whats a safe amount to take off before valve train and intake fit become issue? And last but not, what do you use on the head bolts?

[b5blue]

Good questions, I'll be following this topic. All of this effects valve-train geometry and how the intake mates to the heads.   

[firefighter3931]

Spray copper is what i've used in the past. Let it almost dry (slightly tacky) then install/torque.

Use 30 wt motor oil on the headbolt threads.

You're safe at .020 surface mill without worrying about intake manifold alignment. After that the intake side (or the manifold) will need some attention. The pushrod length is fine with that amount of head machining as well. Anywhere from .020 to .040 lifter pre-load (hyd cam) is ideal.


Ron

[Rayzor]

Well I got the heads all nailed down and the motor put back together so thanks for the input. One last question is, will the heads need to be retorqued after a warm up?

[Challenger340]

As long as the Block and Heads are straight and flat, no.

[firefighter3931]

Good advice !



Ron

[chargd72]

Be careful if you plan on milling the heads AND using a shim gasket.  It's easy to go beyond the manifold threshold if you do both.  I just had my heads resurfaced to make sure it was flat and used a .025 Detroit Gasket.

[Rayzor]

When the heads were at the shop I had them peel .20 off the deck surface and I think they took like .35 off the intake. I checked the block deck the best I could with machine rule and feeler gauge but could not get any more then a .001 blade under it. It looked real good with no major pitting near the water jackets. I used a set of mopar steel gaskets but I am not sure of there specs. I torqued the heads down four times ending up at 70#. The intake dropped on without issue and torqued well. I feel good about the job, but will know more when I fire this thing in a month. Car has been in my shop for 8 years I think its time for it to start moving again.