i am running a fel pro 9296PT with steel shim built right into it on the block side on my o ringed 2.2 T ll . i used spray hylomar on both sides of the gasket and used ARP head bolts. i feel this gasket is good for the o ringed applications. i believe i was recommended this gasket by Gary Donovan. i feel this to be a really good headgasket for o ringed applications.
now my 87 turbo beater lebaron with T l non o ringed block is using a MP 005 headgasket. the head has been welded and resurfaced. 7K miles on this one and no problems yet. i have no experiences with the cometic headgaskets so i will not comment on those. a big part is making sure both surfaces are smooth and flat, making sure both mating surfaces are clean and dry. using a thread chaser on all the headbolt holes to make sure the new headbolts will tighten easily and not bind up giving you a false or lower reading on your torque wrench. i use some 30W oil on my new MP headbolt threads so they dont thread in dry. and dont forget once you tighten every headbolt to spec in foot pounds in pattern with your replacement headbolts you will need to tighten the headbolts an additional 1/4 turn tighter in pattern to get the stretch on the bolt. (ARP head studs do not get additional 1/4 turn) i have used felpro and MP headgaskets in several 2.2 buildups, and repairs. never had one of em pop yet. just my .02 and some experience mat -----------------------REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING---------------------------- Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/ To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html