Metal Schmetal!

If the block and head aren't perfect the metal won't seal it....

I've experienced the EXACT same problem with a similar amount of prepwork and care and this weekend after pulling my head off the gasket told all...

The gasket looks fine however you can see carbon tracks on a sealing surface to the water holes in the block on cylinder's 2 and 3.

It was dead center between the studs and a retorque with ARP lube made absolutely no difference.

I could have got the head decked and tried again but it's not worth the hassle..

I just bought a core and am going all out on it.