well, the block is back together with the rods and pistons in but the pistons are slightly raised from the block surface roughly 1mm??

is that normal never noticed it when taking the engine apart, will this be taken up by the gasket?

also i need a headgasket with a 83mm bore and a good one at that as i plan on running lots of power any recommendations?

Need one asap!

Yes normal, pistons aren't flush with the deck when set at tdc.

Thank you for getting back

Any recommendations on the head gasket with a bore of 83mm?

PS. The book is awesome!

Thanks

With the head gasket buy OE as there's plenty of clearance for 83mm.

I'm using ZRP forged rods and stock pistons, the difference from the block surface is 0.65mm.

Out of interest why have are you rebuilding with stock pistons and forged rods?

The engine was in very good condition before the build and it's a daily drive car, so I think the stock pistons are fine. Max. boost is 1.3 Bar with a GT28RS and a Flea Stage 4+ remap.
I think the weakest points are the standard rod bolts, therefor changed the rods for the ZRP ones.
I'm using Mobil1 0W-40 oil without any noticable consumption.

Tbh I've always found the stock pistons to be the weakest.

Hope they won't, if the ignition advance, the boost and the fuelling are OK.

Standard pistons don't like detonation so if the fuelling is good it'll be fine

Agreed. When playing with horsepower, the pistons will break long before the conrods.