FWB As far as a sealer I use spray Hi-Tac on all my motors and head gaskets if it will stick to them. Some head gakets come with silicone film on them and the spray doesn't stick do them. A also use Copper spray on copper gaskets for some motors. I have been told by some of the top engine builders about running aluminum heads on motors and using ARP bolts that are not stretch bolts or studs. I have seen damage to aluminum heads that didn't have washers under the bolt head or nut. Depending on WHO manufactured the head and using what Aluminum and pouring procedure is mostly where this problem came from.
If KCRacing said that 100 pounds is the correct spec, I am not going to get into an arguement with Kieth. Keith makes his living by sell and building motors. I am a double master ASE, GM tech with over 30years of playing with motors. I have only been involved with FE motors for only the last 14 years. I have done a ton of reading and asking questions to machinist that are willing to take time and talk to you. Still some of the best machinist that worked on the FE motors in the 60's thu 70's hide in the shadows and will not exchange their info about tricks of building FE motors. I have over 70 articles of just FE builds. I can only tell you that what works for me and what I have been doing for the last 14 years with an FE motor. If you P-M me about the head issue I might be able to put some light on the problem or talk to one of the pro's and get some help.
I am building a 498 motor next year and have almost all the short block parts. 4.375 crank and 6.7 BBc rods with pistons are heavy. I am one of the few one run HVHP
oil pumps with 100# spring for pressure. This is old school, most guys and builder don't believe this is needed. 60 psi for this motor is OK. I think for a street motor with little abuse this is OK. I track my car 98% of the time. 8 years of track racing in autocross and road course my 452 FE had no failures of the bottom end. Rockers shafts was A different story. I have 3 years with the 482 motor, 75-80 psi of pressure. I do check the distrubutor gear and have oiling going to the contact location of the 2 gears. This IMO has helped extend the life of these parts. I also run an Accusump to help as a pre oiler and help help
oil pressure up with high "G" turns. New motor will get a dry sump system. Any way Send an e-mail. Rick L.