My head gaskets have been on for about 2 months (about 1 hour of run time).

I can reuse them correct? Anything special I need to do or just drop the head right back on like I did before?

I've re-used them with no issues. I would just inspect them closely and make sure they didn't get crushed/ pushed out in anyway. Bolt them on and go. I think they say 3 times.

Spray them with cooper gasket coat and your good to go!

Copper spray for the win. Used to do it / re use the MLS when I was in Supra/7m engine game.

Idk I've heard reusable, and I use copper seal all the time but, $180 for a pair I'll just buy new ones. Drag race motor on Friday night after qualifying, fuk it throw it back in there boat, nah

I've noticed that gaskets are elliptical these days. Just in case for larger valves?


Also - what's popular valve lash on a 502BBC? I've read everything from 1/4 to full turn but looser on marine engines.

As long as the black coating is intact, they are good to go

there often a valve relief cut into the block, hence the elliptical shape

Is that what would be referred to as "unshrouding" the valves?

Yep - it is called bore notching by most folks. Can gain you 15-20 HP according to legend especially for smaller bore motors like the 454 and 489/496. Pretty easy to do when short block is torn down.

"unshrouding the valves" can also refer to taking some material off the sides of the combustion chambers around the valves, but you need to know what you are doing here. It's possible to get carried away and maybe hit water jackets, and the chambers should probably be cc'ed to make sure they all have the same volume afterwards. Lowers compression ratio too, so if you are trying to keep your CR at a certain level, can be detrimental.