Well i just built one ls/vtec motor and when i did it i ripped the head gasket apart and used one layer. I am building another one for a freind and he wants the 3 layer and I have read a couple of places that the rivets need to be removed on the the head gasket on the intake side. Is this neccessary to do or not? I searched but couldnt really find that mcuh and i really dont feel like building this motor and then having to tear it apart when the head gasket leaks.

thanks in advance

 

If you are talking about those copper rings that holds the gasket together; no, you don't have to remove it, it will be fine, or if you are not sure u can put the head on the block with the gasket, but do not torque it down, and check to see if any of the copper rings are in the way.

 

well ive done that and it looks like a couple are between the head and the block but i was told that you still dont need to remove them because it wont leak. Anyone with ls/vtec know about this?