Replacing fiber head gaskets with alum.

Hi Guys; Have any of you replaced fiber with aluminum head gaskets in engines like McCoy Read Head's, or Fox 59's. These engines do not have sleeves, and use a fairley large gasket with bolt holes. I have a Fox 59', and am thinking of trying this as I also want to try some different head clearances. Thanks for any and all input. I have aluminum in .016 and .004 thickness.
Jim

I have replaced the fiber head gasket in my Cunningham
(RJL repro of an Orwick). It is a steel cylinder as those
you mention are. I make the gasket the same as the
composition one. That is I include the bolt holes. Most
of the older engines have very thin heads and I would be
hesitant to use the washer kind for fear of warping or
bending the head. The aluminum should be dead soft.

Russ Gifford

Thanks Russ; I will try to find some very soft alum. or use fiber on both sides. Jim

Pop and beer cans are suitable. The ones I have are .007". I would not hesitate to use a ring gasket, as opposed to one with holes for the bolts. I would be a little more careful torquing the screws down. And I hate fiber gaskets. Steve

Beer cans are much better than pop cans - they are a lot more fun to empty.