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No prob your welcome . I try to give a bit of tech info as to how things work instead of just telling people to use this or that part because it helps them learn.
As far as the gasket kit goes, I would not use it simply because you already bought it . If cometic can make a thick enough head gasket to raise it up as much as you need I would use one of those instead . The more things you put under the cylinder, the greater the risk of them leaking so if you g that route, I would use a sealer between each piece . Some good ones are gaskacinch, yamabond, black or gray high temp ultra permatex but it needs to be put on thin . if you use gaskacinch, you may have to use a sledge to remove the cylinder next time and an air chisel (or gasket scraper) to remove the gasket.
you can get a shim made at one of the companies i listed below cometic but it too may be pricey.
you can certainly just use more base gaskets as shortline10 mentioned and as i said, it may not leak but that would not be my first choice but it definitely is the fastest and easiest and cheapest.
the did chain is top notch
explaining how to check the rod bearing is nearly useless in my opinion because it is more of an acquired skill so i really don't have a good suggestion for you there.
the copper head gasket will only compress a few thousands at the most and they are reuseable . i have reused them several times on the same engine on my race bikes but i would anneal them after each use . it also meeds a fairly smooth surface to seal properly.
if your compression is over around 190, i would use a spark plug that is 1 step colder than stock.
you dont "need" race gas unless you are racing it . you can buy real lead additive and it may end up costing less depending on the cost of the race gas and how much additive you need.
http://www.wildbillscorvette.com/octanesupreme01a.htm
http://www.wildbillscorvette.com/OctaneSupreme01.htm
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