Andy wrote:A base gasket can't actually compensate for the head gasket. They are the wrong thickness.

To optimise the setup properly, the base of barrel will need maching, the head relieving, or as you say, VHM style heads with the correct inserts. The shape of the inserts though, as well as the compression ratio, can make a huge difference on the dynamics of the motor.

Nothing is ever that simple.

A thicker base gasket will raise the barrel up, raising the head and compensating for the thiner head gasket. of course it will also have a the side effect of lifting the ports and changing the power profile.

Machining the base of the barrel will bring the head closer to the piston reducing your deck height even further, forcing you to need a thicker base gasket to keep the ports at the same profile, and you will simple be in the same place with the heads.

Your honestly best to stick with the stock head gasket, or if your going to cut grooves for o-rings, go with the VHM heads with inserts to match the change.

This will keep your port timing the same and make up for the reduced head clearance from stock.
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Charles Gallant