[Charley Lillard]

If you can't rebuild that engine without touching that pad you need to go somewhere else. Or just do the heads and leave it alone. Taking anything at all off thet pad is not needed and shouldn't be done. There are great head gaskets out there that seal very well.

"The bottom end was still perfect. No significant wear on the crank, cylinders, and bearings." Why change pistons or bore it ? Do you drive it enough that you need to run on pump gas ? If I were in the market for your car I would have alot less interest in it if you do what you are planning. Orig pistons, bore ,high compression etc is what makes it cool. Especially that untouched pad.