Stock 1979 360 with Speedmaster head question

FWIW... the surface finish on the Eddie heads out-of-the-box are plenty fine enough for the MLS gaskets (at least the ones we got). I would not be surprised if the SM's were smooth enough too. I also think Cometic relaxed their RA number a bit in the last year or so; it may have been as simple as changing their maximum RA number to 'recommended'.

MLS head gaskets are getting so common all over in factory engines anymore that getting a shop to do the fine finish is not any issue, from what I have seen in the last few years locally. So it seems like it is wise to finish the deck to around 50RA anyway regardless of the gasket type, unless it costs you an arm and a leg.

I'd be interested to hear if it a significant cost for anyone. My last 4-banger block cost $85 to mill flat and finish to a fine RA, this past January. Square decking a 340 block to a fine RA number was $265 4 years ago.