5.0 GXI Stretched Head Bolt - Reuse Head Gasket?

[FluffyChicken]

Well I cleaned everything up today and started to torque everything down. Decided to follow the 25lb-45lb-65lb torque method and unfortunately I stretched one of the small bolts when on the 65lb sequence. Glad I could tell it was stretching and didn't snap it. I cheaped out on the head bolts and bought the fel-pro brand. I'll definitely be returning them.

I immediately pulled all the bolts out and the gasket practically fell right off. No sticking of any sort. I did an online search and like typical... some say never reuse a head gaskets. Other say no biggie since it hasn't been through any heat cycles. Some say reuse it but spray some copper gasket spray on there for good measure (happen to have a can already).

What's everyone on here's opinion? I'd hate to wait another week for a head gasket. Summer is short in Ohio. Summit racing has ARP bolts in stock so I can get them tomorrow. And stay on schedule.

 

[stresspoint]

ill bet the bolt did not stretch enough to feel it . although felpro bolts nothing would surprise me ( there is a recent thread on TTY bolts on the forum https://forums.iboats.com/threads/5-0-vortec-head-bolts.767517/post-5868628 ) . that explains how to test if bolts actually need replacing or not.

it is usually the threads in the block that pull on those little bolts as they rust out on the end ones.
a time sert will fix the problem helicoil will not.
either that or it had cracked the block , uncommon but it does happen.

as far as the head gasket goes , yea there is lots of speculation as to whether to use or not after they have been put in and not started.
iv used many a head gasket after it has been tightened , even used them secondhand.
save yourself the head ache and go OEM for gaskets if you choose to replace them