So, I am building a spare engine. I picked up the block and head separately, used, and in fair condition. I didn't want to leave anything to chance, so I had a machine shop make a clean-up cut on the block and head. This is just to assure that I have a perfectly flat and even surface. When I get the block and head back, I notice that the machined surfaces are not as smooth as I brought them in. They are even and flat, but certainly rougher than stock. I am worried that the MLS headgasket will require a smoother surface to make a good seal. I questioned the machinist and he says that every head or block he does ends up with that exact finish. The shop has a good rep and builds plenty of V8 engines that cost more than my car did when it was new. I showed the head to my boss at work and he says that nearly every machined head he has seen had a finish as rough as that. He has built his share of V8's, so I value his opinion. But, this is not a standard head gasket and may have special needs. Can anyone comment on the surface finish on thier milled head? Was it as smooth as stock or rougher?

Corbin

'95 ESI-T
HRC+FMIC+ETC...



Gimme fuel...Gimme fire...Gimme that which I desire

Mine was done buy a guy who's done a fair share of neon heads and the finish was smooth.

A lot of time they will leave the surface a bit rougher because of composit head gaskets. The slight roughness gives it a bteter grip into the gasket material. That or the milling bit is too old and dull.

With the rubber coating and the copper spray it should fill any roughness. Without seeing it I can't give you any better advice than that.



Exile Racing Technologies: http://www.exileracing.com
una salus victus
It's holding down the garage floor right now.

Originally posted by Michael_97RS
Mine was done buy a guy who's done a fair share of neon heads and the finish was smooth. A lot of time they will leave the surface a bit rougher because of composit head gaskets. The slight roughness gives it a bteter grip into the gasket material. That or the milling bit is too old and dull. With the rubber coating and the copper spray it should fill any roughness. Without seeing it I can't give you any better advice than that. Exile Racing Technologies: http://www.exileracing.com una salus victus It's holding down the garage floor right now.

*Skrilla
"Honest officer, I thought you were trying to race me"
Talon: 1st 2.4L
'97 Prelude
'04 350Z

Originally posted by etx
Good luck man! Project 'STFU Brian your talon is dead meat' should be on it's feet soon!

I was going to suggest the copper gasket spray this AM, but I thought I should sit back and wait for more experienced opinions on the subject. We use that copper stuff all the time here and I have to say it's good shit. Could he take a piece of finer grit to it with a black to keep it flat to smooth it out any? Just curious...