This weekend I would like to pull the heads off my 396 and make sure the cylinders are clean before I spin it over for the first time since I bought it. Is these anything special I need to know about taking them off? Is there a certain bolt sequence for removal?

Do you use any type of loctite on the bolt threads when I put them back on, is there a certain tightening sequence, and what do I torque them back to?

Is one type of head gasket better than another?

Is WD/40 O.K. to spray in the cylinders and let it soak overnight before I spin it?

I would use either WD-40 or Marvell mystery oil. I used permatex teflon thread sealer whenever I installed the heads on my engine last summer, still no problems. Just chase the threads with a thread chasing tap and make sure the deck and head surfaces are 100% clean before assembly.

Why are you taking the heads off? Why not pull all the spark plugs and turn the engine over?

As for thread sealer, I use only Permatex #2. And yes there, is a sequence to the head bolts that you'll find in any good repair manual.

WD-40, fuel oil, Marvel mystery oil, are all good for what you want to achieve.

Check this link out.

http://boxwrench.net/specs/chevy_sb.htm

does anybody know how many ft lbs. of torque for the waterpump on a small block?