W2 requires only the standard design head gasket.

However, the advantage of running a hi-perf head gasket (such as the Fel-Pro 1008), is that this particular head gasket features a stainless steel cylinder armor, wrapped around an internal pre-flattened wire O-ring. That design is similar to a diesel engine design which highly fights off the cylinder armor from fracturing during extremely high cylinder pressures... and/or detonation/pre-ignition... which is a common occurrence for most hi-performance engines -- sooner or later. In contrast, Fel-Pro's standard head gasket #8533 (as well as most other manufacturer's standard designs), simply have a tin-plate folded-over cylinder armor without the internal wire O-ring.

You pay for what you get.

The Cometic MLS head gaskets are superior for sealing combustion, however, they require an extremely smoot surface finish for both the head and block. Unfortunately, some machine shops cannot perform that extremely smooth surface finish and check it with a surface profilometer to confirm the specs of the surfaces (yet some can and will... $$).

Whatever you choose, the goal in the end is to avoid detonation/pre-ignition.. regardless of your static CR.... as it can happen even at 10:1.

Finally, do yourself an extra favor and use new head bolts (ARPs preferred)... following their installation instructions... the old OE bolts may have been likely stretched beyond their desirable clamping force.

I'm a former Applications Engineer from a major gasket manufacturer.


Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!