i used morton table salt and and old water pump and poured the salt up to right above water pump level then poured devcon liquid aluminum on top to about a 1/5 inch from the top let dry for a couple days then remove freeze plug in front of block and turn upside down on stand and wash out salt. then turn upright and drill holes lined up with head gasket holes as a template and a few extra wont hurt. i've used this fused cylinder brace as a block guard to connect the cylinders to the block with great success for over 5 years at 18+ psi of boost making 345-450+ hp depending on psi level! this along with forged pistons, rods and dont forget head studs will be good to around 20-25 + psi even with stock head gasket. tried and proven 4 different times already. good luck!