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It's interesting how they used the block to balance flow around the cylinders back then. Is the gasket bore notch for valve clearance? I wonder if there is a good way to anneal and quench the gasket without distortion.

Are you just playing with this one right now or do you intend to rebuild?

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The notch doesn't provide valve clearance. It's been a long time since I read David Vizard's book on tuning the A Series engine, but I recall he had a reason for using that type of copper head gasket. Looks like I'll be digging the book out of the closet.
It can be annealed with a torch on a flat steel table, popular during race weekend inspections back in the day. So cheap I'll replace it.

Goal is inspect and rebuild this engine if possible. If it's only good for parts I'll offer it up to the Sprite community. I'm sure there's a bugeye owner that would like a spare correct block, crank, head, etc.

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Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216

Update. The notch is where you have to cut a relief in the block for valve clearance if you're fitting a 1098 head to a 948.

cheap horsepower gain through improved flow with very little work and expense.

_________________
Too much week, not enough weekend.

OOPS I did it again
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

Blood Sweat and Beers
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216