i have a question about the thick copper head gaskets.what i need to know is can you reuse the thicker copper head gaskets after you have torked them down ,but have not started the motor yet? i have an 82 sporty.i also have the thin copper head gaskets that came with the top end gasket kit.i was told that the thicker ones will give you 8.5 to 1 compression and the thinner ones will give you 9.0 to 1 compression?any comments would help

 

Can not re-use the gaskets safely after they are torqued!!!!
I have a 79 Shovelhead, 74 ci, rebuilt and added 9-1 Wiesseco pistons, bored 10 over, 450 Crane Cam, HEI 4 ignition, S&S connecting rods and crank pins, all new....now can not keep head gaskets from blowing....3 head gaskets in first 1,000 miles.....need help and / or suggestions!

 

dragonwolf,,,this may be a shot in the dark but did u have the heads checked for trueness a being flat on the mating surface