So, Im kinda working on a similar project(331 hemi) Im thinking of making a torque plate that I thought could do double duty as an o ringing fixture.
No “on paper” plans, just ideas floating in my head. I figured the dowel holes would keep the plate in the correct alignment with both the block and head. Then just make a rip off of a bhj cutter.
My plan was to make my gaskets. I have access to laser/ materials. Was thinking of making the gasket coolant, pushrod, and oil holes the correct sizes to hold buna o rings.
Ive had success with copper/ o rings with receiver grooves on regularly driven high power stuff. I always use “Hondabond” sealer made for modern Honda engines. It is coolant and oil compatable. Smear a film around anything you want to seal and it works perfectly as long as the surfaces are a good clean fit.