Greetings Hit Man X
Quote: "I'd use a non damaged gasket over a damaged one..."

Definately! that's why I ordered a new gasket after accidentally scratching some of the sealing bead off the one I had. I sent the head to machine shop and had it milled and checked out. He put new exhaust guides in. He said the intakes were tight and the springs checked out okay. The springs are easy enough to do later if they weaken.

My dilemma here is wether I should use one of the new gaskets even though they don't have the modification of the extra sealing bead separating the oil feed and the rear water jacket. If the consensus is that it's okay to use one, then which brand would be recommended, the Victor-Reinz or the Erlinger.

I'm pretty meticulous but I think you're right though, with luck I probably wouldn't have to deal with it again for another 100K either way(it already has 230K and was virtually trouble free the last 100K)

More opinions welcome!