I wanted to use Pro top line Al heads on my 383 engine.
I'm going for 450-480hp and 450+ ftlb of torque N/A and part time nitrous duty with a 3 stage nitrous set up that ends up as about a 150 or 175 hp shot. I wanted the thinest heads gasket I can get and am not sure yet if I want a copper sheet type or a more normal SS fire ring type of head gasket.
I know I will have head studs for sure. Not sure if I will get the block O-ringed or not.
I wanted Al heads mainly because there lighter, other reasons are they cool better and detonation will be less likely, Al is easer to port, shiping will be less.
Will a normal head gasket leave an impression on the head and need to be resurfaced or machined before it is replaced?
Reasons I have seconds thoughts is, they might not seal good, they cost about $300 more a pair, cast iron is just plain strong.
Now can the after market Al heads hold up to 600 nitrous fed hp and not give me sealing problems?
I have seen cross sections and read some info on these heads and there cast with a thick block mating surface for sealing and so you can have more machining options they look strong but I though I should ask the people who would realy know the deal with these heads.

 

The Pro Topline aluminum will work fine.I have a set with .039 Fel Pro gasket making a lot of power.They don't need surfacing every time you take them off.You will"see" an imprent in the head but this won't bother it.A copper gasket is not made for street duty.

 

Any quality composition gasket will work at those power levels just fine. The MLS gaskets would also work well with the right block and cylinder head finishes.

Use studs.

-Mindgame