Jerry I realize this doesn't address the problem of recessing the intake valves, however the head gaskets available today are different. They're now the fiber type and are thinner, being .059~.060" in total thickness. I measured one this morning. The combustion area is ringed with a steel collar (could be magnetic stainless). Studying that gasket it is actually much better than the old imitation "perma-torque" alternative head gasket Fel-Pro made back in the mid 70s for the 235. What if Tom uses 2 of those head gaskets? If his head was in fact surfaced .060" and Tom used two head gaskets (with proper sealer between of course) he would pick up an additional .060". Yes, he only gains .0475" above the older type copper sandwich gasket, but it is still going to raise things and add space under the intake valves and the gasket sealer (if he uses the spray on copper stuff) will naturally add a bit of thickness also. Compression should be about what's normally expected I'd suppose (if the head had been shaved .060" and the gasket restored that amount). Your thoughts?
