jamyers":2679a5p3 said:Very unusual for the block to get out of whack, but you'll really really want to have the head checked for warping.350kmileford":2679a5p3 said:I ordered a gasket last night, gonna replace it today. Do I really need to have the block machined? I was just gonna swap gaskets w/ engine in-car.
I agree with jamyers that it's worth getting checked, and I'd especially want to take it to a machine shop and at least have it surfaced (shouldn't be more than $30.00. They can check it when they surface it. Cast is much less likely to warp than aluminum head, but you could also check this out yourself with a 'good' four foot level.
For the block surface, if you're not finding any bad scars, then I've used this mounted on a drill or pneumatic rotary, works well, great for cleaning gasket surfaces.
http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=1428554
I'm sure they're cheaper elsewhere/autozone, and well worth the money and last a long time versus the scotchbrite style.