Replacing head gasket anything else I should do?

Im replacing the head gasket on my 88 with a felpro top end gasket set. Is there anything else I should do? Im taking the head to the machine shop for new seals and valve job. Im also putting in a ranger roller cam. I got head bolts, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, rad. cap, plugs and wires.

Should I use any type of copper sealer on the head gasket?

Is there any break in period I should follow before I get into boost?

What kind of boost is safe on the felpro stock replacement gasket? I'll be running 15psi and 17psi when I get a front mount.

No Sealer on the head gasket. Goes in dry.

By "felpro stock replacement gasket", I assume you are referring to the 8993 head gasket, right? Whether it's the 8993 or the 1035, you'll be fine. The 8993 is the cheaper one. It's also more forgiving than the 1035, but it won't hold as much power. But like I said - the 8993 will work perfectly well for your application. I use the 8993 and many other modified TC's are using it as well without issue.

Have the shop make sure the head is not warped at all.

Also might want to replace the timing belt tensioner for good measure.

Not sure on the part number but I got this kit.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/...SKAMS_____

That has the 8993 in it. It's good to ~300hp IIRC.

do yourself a favor and splurge for the Motorcraft VC gasket though. That cork one is just stupid. Or at least get the blue FelPro VC gasket. Rock Auto carries those. Forced 4 used to carry the Motorcraft one, but it appears they don't anymore. It is, by far, superior to any other valve cover gasket for our engines IMHO. You can get it from the dealership. I used that same gasket set with I dropped the new motor in my car, but that cork VC gasket went straight to the trash where it should be.

Alright will do! Need to get a motorcraft PCV anyway. Where can I get the rubber hoses that connect to the metal ones that go around the valve cover?

Where can I get the rubber hoses that connect to the metal ones that go around the valve cover?

Are you talking about the heater hoses that connect the cooling pipes that run along the passenger side of the valve cover. If yes, then try NAPA or other parts store for cut-to-fit sizes

I would do a new timing belt, get a block off gasket for the lower intake(boport has them), port my e6 while its off, replace HLA's with new ones if the car still has the 20+ year old ones.

You can also get the VC gasket from a 94+ ford ranger at the junk Yard. they are re-usable and I personally have had mine off several times in the last 3 years. Best thing is you cant overtorque them and they are easy to line up when bolting the VC down. I also have some for sale in "For Sale" section cheap. (shameless plug.)

I have a question, why no sealant? Ive always used the copper spray sealant on all of the headgaskets I do and have had no problems.

While Copper won't hurt anything per se, it will make more cleanup work next time it gets a headgasket- it makes everything stick down more, and scrape off more difficult.

Also check the head and block flatness.