Copper base gasket

I'm getting ready to assemble my top end and was considering running a thinner base gasket to reduce deck height. I seems the pistons are down deck about .020 at TDC. The gaskets are available in .005 and .010 thickness. I'd spray both sides of the gasket with sealer before assembly. I'm a bit concerned with the gasket surfaces not being flat enough and having a poor seal. My bike will be used on the street. I need some suggestions please!

Copper gaskets have a tendency to weep. Not much to be gained by a fraction of an inch. IMO
Steve

I agree with Steve. And it's such a pain in the ass to tear down and fix if it does leak.
I'd use a .015" composite gasket and a spray film of copper coat, etc

OK, I'll just go with the stock gasket. Thanks for the help!

I would have assumed copper, especially on the base gasket would good. Properly annealed and coated it should not leak, and the ones I have worked with where super easy to dissassmble and reusable many times. And there a great way to fine tune clearances if your into that sort of tuning, but my experience is limited and I have only used them on 2 stokes.

2 strokes are a different kettle of fish. Unless it's a race motor the big fours will go for a long, long time without major work. Normally the only leak will be the O ring around the cam chain tunnel. Usually it's because the material has hardened and cracked. By that time the "rubberized" rollers will be doing the same thing and need to be replaced. The Liska rollers will hold up indefinitely at 1/2 the price but that still leaves the center idler below the barrels and the guide in the front where the head meets the barrels. I've thought about a copper gasket but the gasket is so cheap and the seal so good, I wouldn't go with copper there. I did go with a one piece head gasket due to the O ring issue. Enen a new one started leaking the first year in 13. NOS rubber is bunk and I have no confidence in the aftermarket ones. Mine is fiber but next time I will install a one piece copper head gasket. Maybe. :whistle:
Steve

Makes sense.
I hate weeping or leaking gaskets, and 2 strokes can be SOOOOO easily rebuilt so on those its not a big deal if it where to happen and they are so different.