96 Lumina Head Gasket Replacement

[sbriar]

Any tips before I start putting this engine back togather?

I am replacing the head gaskets, I had my heads rebuilt and ground, I have bought new head bolts,(should I use anti-seize on these bolts and any other bolts). I decided to go with factory head gaskets from GM but am using Fel-Pro for the exhaust manifold,intake manifold and valve covers, I also have put a new radiator in because it was full of a almost like paste gunk and was not flushable, the coolant level sensor was completely packed with this gunk but I simpley cleaned it out and hopefully it will work again (I now know why my LOW COOLANT LEVEL light has been on for over a year). I also think I will go with the green anti-freeze this time.

If anyone can give me advise like the best type of gasket sealent to use for the intake manifold and anywhere else I should use sealent, also do I apply sealent to both sides of the intake manifold gasket?
I would greatley appericate any tips before I start putting this back togather. I want to make sure I am not wasting my time and need to do this again next year.

Thanks
Steve

[richtazz]

I use teflon sealer on the head bolts as they go into the water jackets, only use RTV on the intake end seals, as RTV is eroded by fuel, and will ruin the intake gasket around the ports. Make sure you use a GOOD torque wrench when tightening everything up, and oil the underside of the head bolt heads (where they contact the recess in the head) to insure an accurate torque reading.