Can this gap sty there or should it be removed?

[red baron]

Hey guys,
I'm currently finishing my longblock and now its time to care about the heads. I wonder if this gap should be removed, that is around the combustion chamber?
I will probably using shims to get my compression ratio and my 1.5mm between deck height...

[TexasTom]

How thick is the step?
I'd be tempted to leave it and deal with it.
What's the chamber size with/without the step (could be difficult to measure without)?
Tom

[red baron]

The chamber size without should be 50cc . the step is about 1mm high. I measured once and it was nearly 60cc.

[Torben Alstrup]

You can "zero deck" the engine, if the I.D of the step is equivallent with your piston size. That works well. If that´s not a solution, you have to machine the heads conventionally.
T

[red baron]

this gap is like a triangle and get lower on the inside. my concern is, that the cylinders just sit on a line because of that and dont have a proper sealing surface.

I think I will stick to 1.5mm deck height and reach this with shims on the case side.