Esquire812:

*You're safest bet is to follow the maufacturers guidlines. For example FELPRO puts no re-torqueing required in big letters on their packaging, while Engnbldr suggests its done with his graphite headgasket. I do it myself...right after I get the engine up to operating temperature and just prior to re-adjusting the valves after a top end rebuild. Then do a double check at the first oil change and have yet to have a gasket related failure since doing it this way. Just follow the torque sequence that you used when re-installing the head, and that all bolts are evenly torqued.