Originally posted by alternativeauto
The middle layer (.005 thickness) on the gasket will make .2 points of compression on average. if you are 10.2 wil go to 10.4-10.5. There are no side affects to taking this layer out. The only reason for it is for thickness, it has no affect on sealing. I have done this on over 10 motors, including one of my own that was 12:1. You can mill the head also but remember, you can't replace what you take off the head. Cometic also offers a full line of Head gaskets in various thicknesses.
yes you have done this many times but the average person will mess it up. Then they have to go through all the work of pulling the head again. Just because something "works" does not mean it's right.