I will be using Fel-Pro 1010's which are a compression gasket (.036" compressed) and need to know if it is suitable to use these to check my valve to piston clearance or if its only designed for one torque sequence.

 

You don't torque it to check the clearance.

 

I have read that but with the compression type gasket, if full torque is not used the gasket will not compress properly leaving incorrect readings. This is probably so minute it wouldn't matter but still something to take into consideration.


Would it hurt the gasket to mock it up and get the head bolts 'tight' (from you answer I can assume no...)

I could always use no gasket and add that in later but I would like to remove all variables.

 

The gasket only compresses a few thousandths, and you're looking for clearance on the order of tenths, it's not a problem.