Help...older 862 Heads On A Newer 2004 5.3

[rfraboni]

Is it ok to use the early 862 casting heads (with the recess on the deck) on a 2004 5.3 with what should be the new bolt style? I know the original heads are the MLS gaskets.

 

 

I assume that I would need to use the older style gaskets, are these as robust as the MLS in a stock configuration? Are they even compatible with the 2004 blocks?

 

I do now want to go through all the work to find out they are leaking on me after install due to not fitting properly.

 

Will the new bolt style provide the correct clamping force for the older gasket style?

 

Thank you,

 

Rich

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It's alright to use 862 inplace of the 706 heads, BUT if they have a little square recess or cutoff on them, you must use a graphite headgasket and not a mls. And 2004 does use the new bolt style, with only two bolt sizes.