Reusing Brand New Head Gaskets???

[70TWO NOVA]

Ok so I was putting together an LM7 and forgot to install the lifters and treys before I installed and torqued down the heads. I understand I now need to buy new head bolts cause they arent reusable, but is it ok to still use the MLS head gaskets?? (PN; 12589227) Ive heard both yes and no. The engine hasnt been fired or even turned over at all. Just want to make sure the head gaskets can be used still.
Thanks

[deuce_454]

yes the MLS gastets are reusable if its on the same engine, in the same location.. gaskets compress to conform to iregularities but on the same engine (if nothing has been warped) the iregularities will be the same....

I worked as an engineer in an automotive gasket factory, and my boss who had a Ph.d. in sealing technology told me this was fine.. he also let me in on a bit of a secret.. if the exhaust flanges are straight, you dont need any other gasket than some RTV silicone.. (it doesnt matter if its RTV or HTV) because both will be destroyed above 300 deg C and here is the cool part... its the destroyed silicone.. wich is silicium residue that is the permanent gasket

(we had this discussion because my sandersson headers didnt come with a gasket, but dirrections to use RTV)

[70TWO NOVA]

Cool, thank you for the insight. Coming from a gasket engineer I feel much better reusing them!

[daytonayellaz]

Yeah...That is cool information to know!