• What is the latest on copper coat on LS9 gaskets? Do you use it? I've heard several arguments both ways, some say , better sealing and so on.they have done it for yrs

 

Seems like a band-aid solution. If your decks aren't perfect, then maybe it helps seal. If your decks have the correct RA and are true it shouldn't be necessary. Some of the modern MLS gaskets (Cometic) have a coating on them that helps sealing, and I think their instructions state not to use any sort of sealant.

 

Thank, I wasn't but some people swear by it.

 

Not an LS but I actually just copper sprayed the block. I did it this time around too because my deck is not really the right RA. Interesting enough when i pulled the heads there was virtually no trace of any copper spray. Good or bad no idea. The factory black coating on the gaskets were perefect. I actually decided to re use them as well because they looked that good. They held 15lbs the first go around. See how it works out this time.

 

My heads have had a clean up cut on them, my block hasn't. Deck surface looks really good so I don't think I'll use it. Now if I was reusing a head gasket I would.

 

The consensus from actual engineers is not to use it. One of the benefits rarely discussed is the ability of an MLS gasket to effectively transfer heat form the head to the block. Coating the gasket stops heat transfer. Its not a "must" as clearly people coat new gaskets all the time. But there is a reason the manufacturer states to install them dry.

That said if you are re-using a old MLS HG on a budget build, I'd coat it to aid win water passage sealing. I never coat new gaskets.