I am sure that some will give a more technical explanation of this but basically an O ring head gives a tighter and stronger seal. The surface of the head is groved slightly to allow for a head gasket with a metal "rng" around the cylinder. Generally they are used for very high compression or for forced induction with a lot of boost (9lbs or more you need them, you can get by without on less boost). On a mild build, they are not neccesary, but they dont hurt anything, and having them might come in handy when you want to add some boost to the beast Again, pretty basic explanation, HTH

 

unless you are running boost dont worry about the o-ringed heads.

 

Keep in mind O rings are not rubber o rings but usually a steel or copper ring. Like siad for na engines. Not needed.

 

If running high-compression, or using a power adder they come in handy...

Google Fel-Pro Loc-Wire. Those are the gaskets (at about $70 EACH) you will have to use. Ask me how I know...

Personally, I would skip the grooves and use MLS style gaskets from Cometic or another company...


HTH...
Mark

 

Thanks for the great explanations guys. It's a mild build. I'll skip the o-ring machining.