what is the best way to prep the block for a new head gasket. last go-around i scrubbed it with a brass brush untill it looked fairly good and felt pretty smooth. the gasket i just pulled out looks pretty bad. it is blasted apart in more than one place. last time i didnt check the flatness of the head, but i am putting a new one on that has been decked and o-ringed. should there be a profile scratched into the block or should it be smooth.

 

A little scuff(very fine) on the block can't hurt and make sure you check the block as well for warpage with a good straight edge.