I've been using FelPro PermaTorqueMLS gaskets on heads a while. I'm curious if there are better out there, maybe 5 layer? I see a lot of high performance people use a 5 layer gasket and spray paint them with a copper paint, then use copper sealer on that, but FelPro are 3-layer with material already on them.

Also I've been using whatever copper sealer the parts house has. I'm curious what is the best out there? I like to spare no expense with head gaskets because they are such a PITA to replace time-wise..

 

What would be the purpose of 5-layer?
I've ran the MLS Fel-Pro on my built motors without fail. Only time one failed was running 12-1 compression and it turned out underlying causes caused the motor to get to warm, which actually cause the gasket failure.
I've never heard of people having an issue on a regular daily driven vehicle.

 

I was thinking maybe 5-layer would survive something like a dead thermostat or shot water pump better if the engine was killed before head and block warp.

 

Guess when I do HGs I generally replace the WP and thermostat.
5-Layers may help, they're also going to drop the compression slightly.