Head is back and painted, valve cover ready, have a new tested thermostat. I'm working on a heater tap blank plate Thinking about just retapping the one I have and putting in a pipe plug.Should be go to go on the BE next weekend. IF it cools down. Garage is like an easy bake oven by 8:00 AM I'm in no hurry at this point. Is the spray gasket sealer made by permatex? using the copper topped & gray lower side PAYNE gasket.

Looking good, except that we had our summer jackets on today.
I never used sealant on the head gasket.

I also never use sealant on a head gasket. It is 114 here in Gilbert, AZ today.

Yes but 114 in Az is DRY, 80 in North Texas is HORRIBLE (humid). I'll take the desert any day!!! (Lived in both climates and now stuck in Seattle).
BillM

Well I finished installing the 12G295 head on my 948 last night.
I'm really happy with the results. It has made a differance in power. It gets up and goes much quicker.
It just feels better. pulls a little better to.
So far no leaks. The alum. valve cover does quite down the rocker clatter compared to the tin box.

Super duper Chris. I'm pleased for you.

Jack have started on yours yet?
The head sat on the shelf for a year and a half.
I had to pop the cheepo head gasket with the 948 head to get off my rump and put it togather. Should have done it a year ago, the Isky cam, large valve head and HS'2 really seem to work well with each other.For a little 948 it really can sing.

Think I am going to have Hap work mine but I need to wait till I can cc the cylinders with the head off first. Maybe over the winter.

I feel your pain Bro! I'm stuck in Seattle with ya.

It is Monsoon season here in AZ now. 106-110 in the day, dust and rain storms in the evening and high humidity in the morning. It should taper off mid August. It is tough working on the Midget even with the swamp cooler in the garage.

on the black composite head gaskets you can do them dry, but thats not a good idea on a copper head gakset, use the copper gasket spray, or spray Permatex HiTack, you'll find both or one of the two at almost any parts store, or silver/aluminum spray paint work too. I don't ever recommend putting a copper head gasket on dry.

Hap I did take your advise and used the permatex HI-TACK copper gasket sealer and and applied it as you suggested. So far so good took it out yesterday evening and this morning before the sun got strong enough to melt me in to my seat. Ran her out to freind who restores cars and back about 150 miles total and seems to have sealed up nicely and runs like a scalled cat in comparision to the old setup.Theres no subsitute for cubic inches but stuffing in a bigger air charge doesnt hurt with a good cam and carbs. Works great!!